Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy in Peyronie's Disease: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Measurement and spectral analysis of medical shock wave parameters based on flexible PVDF sensors

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) achieves its therapeutic purpose mainly through the biological effects produced by the interaction of shock waves with tissues, and the accurate measurement and calculation of the mechanical parameters of shock waves in tissues are of great significance in formulating the therapeutic strategy and evaluating the therapeutic effect. This study utilizes the approach of implanting flexible polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) vibration sensors inside the tissue-mimicking phantom of various thicknesses to capture waveforms at different depths during the impact process in real time. Parameters including positive and negative pressure changes (P+, P-), pulse wave rise time ([Formula: see text]), and energy flux density (EFD) are calculated, and frequency spectrum analysis of the waveforms is conducted. The dynamic response, propagation process, and attenuation law of the shock wave in the phantom under different impact intensities were analyzed. Results showed that flexible PVDF sensors could precisely acquire the characteristics of pulse waveform propagating within the phantom. At the same depth, as the driving pressure increases, P+ and P- increase linearly, and [Formula: see text] remains constant. At the same driving pressure, P+, P-, and EFD decay exponentially with increasing propagation depth. At the same depth, the spectra of pulse waveforms are similar, and the increasing driving pressure does not cause significant changes in carrier frequency and modulation frequency. The research findings could provide a reference for developing ESWT devices, improving treatment strategies, and enhancing the safety of clinical applications.

Evidence of restorative therapies in the treatment of Peyronie disease: A narrative review

OBJECTIVE

To describe the evidence of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), Stem cells therapy (SCT) and Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWL) for the treatment of Peyronies disease (PD), including information from the main urological society guidelines.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A literature review of PubMed articles published between 2000 and 2023 was conducted, utilizing keywords such as "Peyronie's Disease", "Penile curvature", "Platelet Rich Plasma", "Stem cells", and "Extracorporeal shockwave therapy". Only full-text articles in English were included, excluding case reports and opinions.

RESULTS

A considerable number of clinical trials were conducted using PRP penile injections for therapy of PD, showing reduction of curvature, plaque size and improvement in quality of life. Preclinical studies in rats have shown the potential benefit of adipose-derived stem cells, with improvements in erectile function and fibrosis. Human studies with mesenchymal stem cells demonstrated promising results, with reduction of curvature and plaque size. ESWL effects on PD were investigated in randomized clinical trials and demonstrated no significant impact in curvature or plaque size, but reasonable effect on pain control.

CONCLUSION

Restorative therapies has emerged as an innovative treatment option for PD and the results from current studies appear to be promising and demonstrated good safety profile. Unfortunately, due to scarce evidence, PRP and SCT are still considered experimental by American Urological Association (AUA) and European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines. ESWT is recommended, by the same guidelines, for pain control only. More high-quality studies with long-term follow-up outcomes are needed to evaluate efficacy and reproducibility of those therapies.

Low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy for Peyroniès disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

A systematic review of the evidence was conducted to assess the efficacy of low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy (LI-ESWT) for patients with Peyronie`s Disease (PD).

METHODS

A comprehensive search of the Cochrane Registry, PubMed and Embase databases was conducted to identify all controlled trials, including randomised controlled trials (RCTs), cohort studies and case-control studies, focusing on the efficacy of LI-ESWT in treating PD, and published before February 2023. The size of plaques, curvature deviation, visual analog scale [VAS] and International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) were the most commonly used tool to evaluate the treatment effectiveness of LI-ESWT.

RESULTS

There were 7 studies including  475 patients from 1999 to 2023. The meta-analysis of the data revealed that LI-ESWT could considerably enhance the proportion of men experiencing a reduction in penile plaques (RD 0.27, 95% CI: 0.04-0.50, P = 0.02), improvement in penile curvature (RD: 0.13; 95% CI, 0-0.26; p = 0.05), alleviation of pain (RD 0.22, 95% CI: 0.01-0.42, P = 0.04), and complete remission (RD 0.38, 95% CI 0.23-0.52, P < 0.00001). However, there were no significant differences in improvement of sexual function (MD: 1.44; 95% CI, -3.10-5.97; p = 0.53) between LI-ESWT and the placebo group.

CONCLUSIONS

According to these studies, LI-ESWT has the potential to decrease plaque size and improve penile curvature or pain in men with PD. The publication of robust evidence from additional well-designed long-term multicenter randomized controlled trials would provide more confidence regarding use of these devices in patients with PD.

Multimodal treatments based on Tadalafil during acute phase of Peyronie's disease: experience at two referral academic centers

AIM

The purpose of this study is to identify the clinical outcomes of patients during acute phase of Peyronie's disease (PD) treated with daily Tadalafil 5 mg associated with non-surgical treatments such as intra-plaque verapamil injections (IVI), vacuum erection devices (VED) or extra corporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT).

METHODS

445 patients with PD in acute stage were treated as it follows: Group 1(G1) 117 men with only Tadalafil 5 mg once a day for 3 months; Group 2(G2) 106 men with IVI plus Tadalafil 5 mg for a period of 12 weeks; Group 3(G3) 124 men that received ESWT for 6 weeks plus Tadalafil with the same protocol of G1; Group 4(G4) 98 men with VED plus Tadalafil 5 mg for 3 months. There were assessed at baseline and follow-up: Erectile dysfunction (ED), presence and severity of painful erections, penile plaque size and penile curvature degree. The results were evaluated at baseline and 3,6,12 months.

RESULTS

Not statistically significant differences emerged between the two groups at baseline, except for higher presence of patients with ED in in G3(7.4%) vs other groups(p < 0.001). Three months after the treatment in G3 men had a significant reduction of penile curvature degrees after 1 year by treatments, whereas pain in an erection or during intercourse was resolved completely in 75% of the patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study highlights that multimodal therapy has beneficial long-term effects not only in the decrease of ED symptoms, but also in the relief of the penile curvature and the quality of life.

A new alternative approach to management of acute phase Peyronie's disease: low intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy and platelet-rich plasma

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy, safety, and outcomes of the combination of low ıntensity external shock wave therapy (Li-ESWT) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy in acute phase Peyronie's disease (PD).

METHODS

The datas of patients admitted with acute phase Peyronie's between January 2014 and January 2022 were reviewed retrospectively. In total, we included total 159 patients who used combination of vitamin E 600 mg/day plus colchicine 1.5 mg/day plus oral daily 5 mg tadalafil (N.=77) in group 1 and received Li-ESWT+PRP combination therapy plus oral daily 5 mg tadalafil (N.=82) in group 2. We noted characteristics of fibrous plaques, pain status, penile curvature degree, and erectile function parameters. All patients were visited at the 3rd and 12th months after the treatment.

RESULTS

Preoperative demographic characteristics were similar in the two groups. There was a statistically significant improvement in the mean plaque size, penile curvature degree, IIEF-5 and VAS scores in the intervention group after the treatment. Ecchymosis and hematoma were not observed at the injection site and Li-ESWT application areas in the intervention group. No local or systemic drug reactions were noted in either group.

CONCLUSIONS

Combination of Li-ESWT and PRP are highly effective and safety to early treatment in the acute phase PD.

The pathogenic role of the immune system in erectile dysfunction and Peyronie's disease: focusing on immunopathophysiology and potential therapeutic strategies

INTRODUCTION

Erectile dysfunction (ED) represents the major cause of male sexual dysfunction, which is often associated with obesity, diabetes mellitus, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, and cigarette smoking. Peyronie's disease is a chronic disorder associated with irreversible fibrotic damage of the tunica albuginea leading to ED, painful erection, coital disturbance, and physical and social complaints. Both conditions are characterized by chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and significant changes in intracavernous hydrodynamics. In this scenario, oxidized lipoproteins, M1-polarized macrophages, proinflammatory cytokines (such as the tumor necrosis factor α), endothelial nitric oxide synthase, penile smooth muscle cells, and toll-like receptors represent the main triggers of the inflammatory process in ED. Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors are the most common treatment for ED. This treatment is used intermittently, as it is conceived as a symptomatic and not curative therapy. Moreover, not all patients respond to phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (35%-85%), particularly those with dysmetabolic phenotypes. Additional or alternative treatments are therefore desirable, mostly in refractory cases.

OBJECTIVES

In this review, we describe the immune-mediated pathogenesis of ED and Peyronie's disease (PD). In our literature search we placed particular emphasis on potentially practical therapeutic approaches, including natural products (such as polyphenols), due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, stem cell therapy, and platelet-derived preparations.

METHODS

We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and institutional websites. Original studies, narrative reviews, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses written in English were searched, screened, and selected.

RESULTS

In animal models of ED and PD, therapeutic approaches, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents, stem cell therapy, and platelet-derived preparations, have provided positive results, including improved penile function, reduced inflammation and oxidative stress, and promotion of tissue repair. However, clinical evidence of improvement in human patients is still insufficient.

CONCLUSION

Promising results for treating ED and PD have been shown in preclinical and pilot clinical studies, but specific clinical trials are needed to validate the efficacy of these therapeutic approaches in men with ED.

Medical Treatment for Peyronie's Disease: Systematic Review and Network Bayesian Meta-Analysis

PURPOSE

To investigate the efficacy of medical treatment options for Peyronie's disease (PD) including oral drugs, intralesional treatment and mechanical treatment compared with placebo treatment using network meta-analysis (NMA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We searched the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of PD in PubMed, Cochrane library, and EMBASE up to October 2022. RCTs included medical treatment options: oral drugs, intralesional treatment and mechanical treatment. Studies reporting at least one of the outcome measures of interest including curvature degree, plaque size, and structured questionnaires (International Index of Erectile Function, IIEF) were included.

RESULTS

Finally, 24 studies including 1,643 participants met our selection criteria for NMA. There was no statistically significant treatment compared to placebo of the curvature degree, plaque size, IIEF in Bayesian analysis. The SUCRA values of ranking probabilities for each treatment performance, which indicated that hyperthermia device ranked first in NMA. However, in frequentist analysis, 7 of mono treatments (coenzyme Q10 [CoQ10] 300 mg, hyperthermia device, interferon alpha 2b, pentoxifylline 400 mg, propionyl-L-carnitine 1 g, penile traction therapy [PTT], vitamin E 300 mg) and 2 of combination treatments ("PTT-extracorporeal shockwave treatment", "vitamin E 300 mg-propionyl-L-carnitine 1 g") were statistically significant for improvement of curvature degree, and 9 of mono treatments (CoQ10 300 mg, hyaluronic acid 16 mg, hyperthermia device, interferon alpha 2b, pentoxifylline 400 mg, propionyl-L-carnitine 1 g, verapamil 10 mg, vitamin E 300 mg, vitamin E 400 U) and 3 of combination treatments ("interferon alpha 2b-vitamin E 400 U", "verapamil 10 mg-antioxidants", "vitamin E 300 mg-propionyl-L-carnitine 1 g") were statistically significant in the improvement of plaque size.

CONCLUSIONS

At present, there is no clinical treatment alternatives that have been demonstrated to be effective compared to placebo. Nonetheless, as the frequentist approach has shown that a number of agents are efficacious, further research is expected to develop more effective treatment options.

Serum Testosterone Concentration Influences the Response to Extracorporeal Shock Wave Treatment in Men With Peyronie's Disease

OBJECTIVE

To assess the relationship between baseline total serum testosterone (T) and clinical outcomes in men affected by Peyronie's disease (PD) stable stage and treated by extra corporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT).

METHODS

In this study, 168 patients affected by PD in stable stage (≥12 months) and treated with ESWT, were divided into 2 groups. Group 1 (G1) counted 71 patients with low T levels (≤ 300 ng/dL); group 2 (G2) consisted of 97 patients with normal T that received ESWT with the same protocol of G1 for 6 weeks. There were assessed at baseline and follow-up: Erectile dysfunction (ED), presence and severity of painful erections, penile plaque size, and penile curvature degree. The results were evaluated at baseline and 3, 6, 12, months after the treatment.

RESULTS

Not statistically significant differences emerged between the 2 groups at baseline, except for higher presence of patients with ED in G1 (90%) vs G2 (52%). Three months after the treatment in G2 pain was resolved completely in 80.4% of the patients, compared with G1 (54.9%). G2 had a reduction of curvature degree after the 3-month treatment (P <.001). Mean plaque size decreased in both groups without statistically differences with baseline values. Mean ± SD International Index of Erectile Function-5 score progressively improved significantly in the eugonadal men.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated greater efficacy for the treatment of PD in men with normal T concentrations compared with men with low T concentrations. The results obtained from this study suggest that may be valuable in considering T therapy in men with PD prior to ESWT.

[Current treatment concepts for Peyronie's disease]

Plastic induration of the penis (PIP, Peyronie's disease) is an acquired and chronic disease of the penis, which is characterized by penile pain, distortion and deformation of the penis as well as the resulting impairments in sexual activity of the patient. The most probable causes are microtrauma and macrotrauma within the tunica albuginea of the corpora cavernosa, which due to an abnormal wound healing subsequently leads to the formation of fibrosis in this region. Various predisposing factors and also a genetic predisposition are discussed. The PIP occurs most frequently in the fifth to sixth decades of life. The prevalence is 0.3-20% depending on the investigated collective and the risk factors present. The PIP is subdivided into an acute inflammatory phase and a chronic postinflammatory phase. Various conservative and surgical treatment options include oral medication, penile traction therapy, intralesional injections and surgical procedures.

Updated recommendations on the therapeutic role of extracorporeal shock wave therapy for peyronie's disease: systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The therapeutic role of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) for Peyronie's disease (PD) has been controversial in a long term. We aimed to further evaluate the therapeutic effect of ESWT for PD on the basis of available high-quality studies.

METHODS

The PubMed, CENTRAL and Embase databases were searched for articles published from January 1st, 2000 to December 31, 2022. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) using ESWT to treat PD were included. Meta-analysis and forest plots were carried out using Review Manager 5.4.1 software, and outcomes were reviewed by 2 authors independently. Using the Risk of Bias assessment form (ROB-2) by Cochrane Collaboration for quality assessment. PRISMA 2020 guidelines were used in this article to achieve the quantitative and qualitative synthesis of data.

RESULTS

A total of four RCTs were included. 151 patients in the ESWT group and 150 patients in the control group. The meta-analysis results showed that ESWT could significantly reduce plaque size (OR 2.59, 95%CI 1.15 to 5.85, P = 0.02) and relieve pain (MD -1.55, 95%CI -2.46 to -0.64, P = 0.0008); but it has no significant effect on reducing the penile curvature (OR 1.93, 95%CI 0.87-4.26, P = 0.11) and improving sexual function (MD 2.6, 95%CI -1.63 to 6.83, P = 0.23), there is also no significant difference in complication rates between groups (OR 2.94, 95%CI 0.66 to 13.03, P = 0.16). The risk of bias of results is low. The limitations of this study are that the number of included studies is too small, some experimental outcomes are missing, and the expression of outcomes is not unified.

CONCLUSIONS

For PD, ESWT can be considered as a safe short-term treatment, which can reduce plaque size and relieve pain, but cannot improve penile curvature and sexual function. Its long-term efficacy remains to be discussed.

REGISTRATION NUMBER

PROSPERO (ID: CRD42023436744).

Low-intensity laser diode plus extracorporeal shock wave therapy: a new treatment strategy in the management of Peyronie's disease

PURPOSE

To assess the clinical effectiveness of extra corporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) administration compared with ESWT plus a low-intensity laser diode therapy (LILDT) in the management of Peyronie's disease (PD) stable stage.

METHODS

In this study, 214 patients affected by PD in stable stage (≥ 12 months), were divided into two groups. Group 1 (G1) counted 111 patients treated only with ESWT; Group 2 (G2) consisted of 103 patients that received ESWT with the same protocol of G1 plus LILDT for six weeks. The patients of both groups were assessed at baseline and follow-up for erectile function, painful erections, penile plaque size and penile curvature. The results were evaluated at baseline and 3, 6, 12 months after the treatment.

RESULTS

Three months after the treatment in G2 pain in an erection or during intercourse was resolved completely in 78.6% of the patients, whereas in 55.8% cases of G1 (p < 0.003). G2 patients had a reduction of curvature degree after the 3 months treatment (p < 0.002). However, mean plaque size decreased in both groups without statistically differences with baseline values. Mean ± SD IIEF-5 score further improved significantly in the group treated with ESWT plus LILDT (p < 0.001). There were no permanent adverse sequelae after treatments.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates an interesting therapeutic strategy when combined to the synergistic action of a shock wave therapy with low-intensity laser therapy on the stable plaques with significant benefits in terms of pain perception, penile curvature and sexual activity.

Stem-Cell, Shockwave, and Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy for the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction and Peyronie's Disease: A Survey of Clinics Across the USA

OBJECTIVE

To identify clinics offering off-label therapies for erectile dysfunction (ED) and Peyronie's disease (Pyd) including stem cell, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and shockwave therapy and to determine the transparency they provided to patients inquiring about these treatment modalities.

METHODS

Clinics were identified in different regions in the US using a systematic search on online website directories and were approached by asking a series of standardized questions regarding the cost of treatment, duration of therapy, the medical staff involved, and patient outcome data. A total of 26 clinics were surveyed for stem cell therapy, 26 for PRP treatment, and 27 for shockwave therapy.

RESULTS

Of the 79 clinics contacted, 93.7% provided some answers to the questions we asked, with a majority offering treatments for both ED and Pyd. The cost of treatment varied widely between clinics. The average cost per stem cell therapy injection was $5291, PRP per injection was $1336, and shockwave therapy per session was $413. A physician was involved in 67% of treatments, and only 6 of 79 clinics reported that a urologist was involved. Over 75% of the clinics reported patient satisfaction following treatment. Durability of benefits to patients ranged from months to years according to the clinics' reports.

CONCLUSION

Our data not only demonstrate the widespread use of off-label therapies for ED and PyD across the United States but also the lack of scientific data to support the claims made to patients. This study highlights the need for more oversight and standardization in novel regenerative therapies for ED and PyD.

Non-surgical therapies for Peyronie's disease

BACKGROUND

Peyronie's disease is a condition that results in the development of penile plaques that can lead to penile curvature, pain, and erectile dysfunction, making sexual activity difficult. A number of non-surgical interventions exist to improve this condition, which include topical and injection agents as well as mechanical methods; however, their effectiveness remains uncertain. We performed this review to determine the effects of these non-surgical treatments.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of non-surgical therapies compared to placebo or no treatment in individuals with Peyronie's disease.

SEARCH METHODS

We performed a comprehensive search using multiple databases (the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science), trials registries, other sources of grey literature, and conference proceedings, up to 23 September 2022. We applied no restrictions on publication language or status.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included trials in which men with Peyronie's disease were randomized to undergo non-surgical therapies versus placebo or no treatment for penile curvature and sexual function.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two of four review authors, working in pairs, independently classified studies and abstracted data from the included studies. Primary outcomes were: patient-reported ability to have intercourse, quality of life, and treatment-related adverse effects. Secondary outcomes were: degree of penile curvature, discontinuation from treatment (for any reason), subjective patient-reported change in penile curvature, and improvement in penile pain. We performed statistical analyses using a random-effects model. We rated the certainty of evidence (CoE) according to the GRADE approach.

MAIN RESULTS

Our search identified 1288 relevant references of which we included 18 records corresponding to 14 unique randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with 1810 men. These informed 10 distinct comparisons with relevant outcome data that were mostly extracted from single trials. In this abstract, we focus only on the most clinically relevant comparisons for the three primary outcomes and also include the outcome of degree penile curvature. Injectional collagenase (short-term): We found no short-term evidence on injectional collagenase for patients' self-reported ability to have intercourse and treatment-related adverse effects compared to placebo injection. Injectional collagenase may result in little to no difference in quality of life (scale 0 to 20 with lower scores indicating better quality of life; mean difference (MD) 1.8 lower, 95% confidence interval (CI) -3.58 to -0.02; 1 study, 134 participants; low CoE) and there may be little to no effect on the degree of penile curvature (MD 10.90 degrees less, 95% CI -16.24 to -5.56; 1 study, 136 participants; low CoE). Injectional collagenase (long-term): We also found no long-term evidence on injectional collagenase for patients' self-reported ability to have intercourse compared to placebo injection. It likely results in little to no effect on quality of life (MD 1.00 lower, 95% CI -1.60 to -0.40; 1 study, 612 participants; moderate CoE). Treatment-related adverse effects are likely increased (risk ratio (RR) 2.32, 95% CI 1.98 to 2.72; 1 study, 832 participants; moderate CoE). Injectional collagenase likely results in little to no change in the degree of penile curvature (MD 6.90 degrees less, 95% CI -9.64 to -4.14; 1 study, 612 participants; moderate CoE). Injectional verapamil (short-term): We are very uncertain how injectional verapamil may affect patients' self-reported ability to have intercourse compared to placebo injection short-term (RR 7.00, 95% CI 0.43 to 114.70; 1 study, 14 participants; very low CoE). We found no evidence for the outcome of quality of life. We are very uncertain how injectional verapamil may affect treatment-related adverse effects (RR not estimable; 1 study, 14 participants; very low CoE). Similarly, we are very uncertain how injectional verapamil may affect degree of penile curvature (MD -1.86, 95% CI -10.39 to 6.67; 1 study, 14 participants; very low CoE). We found no long-term data for any outcome. Extracorporeal shock wave treatment (ESWT) (short-term): We are very uncertain how ESWT affects patients' self-reported ability to have intercourse short-term (RR 1.60, 95% CI 0.71 to 3.60; 1 study, 26 participants; very low CoE). ESWT may result in little to no difference in quality of life (MD 3.10, 95% CI 1.57 to 4.64; 2 studies, 130 participants; low CoE). We are very uncertain if ESWT has an effect on treatment-related adverse effects (RR 2.73, 95% CI 0.74 to 10.14; 3 studies, 166 participants; very low CoE). ESWT may result in little to no difference in the degree of penile curvature compared to placebo (RR -2.84, 95% -7.35 to 1.67; 3 studies, 166 participants; low CoE). We found no long-term data for any outcome. Penile traction therapy (short-term): We found no evidence for whether penile traction compared to no treatment affects patients' self-reported ability to have intercourse. We are very uncertain how traction therapy may affect quality of life (MD 1.50 lower, 95% CI -3.42 to 0.42; 1 study, 90 participants; very low CoE). We are also very uncertain how traction therapy may affect treatment-related adverse effects (RR not estimable; 1 study, 90 participants; very low CoE) and how it affects the degree of curvature (MD 7.40 degrees less, 95% CI -11.18 to -3.62; 1 study, 89 participants; very low CoE). We found no long-term data for any outcome.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is little evidence supporting the effectiveness of most non-surgical treatments for Peyronie's disease. Existing trials are mostly of poor methodological quality and/or fail to address patient-centered outcomes. Injectional collagenase appears to have some effectiveness; however, many individuals may not experience the improvement as clinically relevant, and this comes with the risk of increased adverse events. There is a critical need for better non-surgical treatment options for men with Peyronie's disease.

Molecular Mechanisms and Risk Factors Related to the Pathogenesis of Peyronie's Disease

Peyronie's disease (PD) is a benign condition caused by plaque formation on the tunica albuginea of the penis. It is associated with penile pain, curvature, and shortening, and contributes to erectile dysfunction, which worsens patient quality of life. In recent years, research into understanding of the detailed mechanisms and risk factors involved in the development of PD has been increasing. In this review, the pathological mechanisms and several closely related signaling pathways, including TGF-β, WNT/β-catenin, Hedgehog, YAP/TAZ, MAPK, ROCK, and PI3K/AKT, are described. Findings regarding cross-talk among these pathways are then discussed to elucidate the complicated cascade behind tunica albuginea fibrosis. Finally, various risk factors including the genes involved in the development of PD are presented and their association with the disease summarized. The purpose of this review is to provide a better understanding regarding the involvement of risk factors in the molecular mechanisms associated with PD pathogenesis, as well as to provide insight into disease prevention and novel therapeutic interventions.

Peyronie's Disease: An Outcomes-Based Guide to Non-Surgical and Novel Treatment Modalities

The clinical landscape of Peyronie's disease is everchanging. There has been growing interest in non-invasive therapeutic options that could assist patients with achieving a meaningful reduction in penile curvature without surgical intervention. These therapies are wide-ranging in terms of their mechanisms of action, efficacies, and short- and long-term safety profiles. Recently, an abundance of outcomes literature on longstanding and novel non-surgical treatment modalities has been published. For sexual medicine providers hoping to offer patients the most up-to-date and evidence-based treatments for the management of Peyronie's disease, it can be challenging to gain a thorough understanding of this body of literature. In this clinical management review, the workup and current theories on the pathophysiology of Peyronie's disease are reviewed, and the most recent outcomes data on the currently available non-surgical treatment modalities are presented. With an accurate understanding of the current landscape of Peyronie's disease treatment, sexual health providers will be able to better evaluate and engage in evidence-based shared decision-making with their patients.