Lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia: who are the high-risk patients and what are the best treatment options?

Efficacy and Safety of 1470 nm Diode Laser Enucleation of the Prostate in Elderly Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Patients

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate efficacy and safety of 1470 nm diode laser enucleation of the prostate (DiLEP) and plasmakinetic resection of the prostate (PKRP) in elderly benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients with lower urinary tract symptoms. Methods: A total of 123 elderly patients with BPH were randomized to undergo either 1470 nm DiLEP or PKRP by means of a random number table from September 2020 to April 2022. The perioperative and postoperative data were studied during a 3- and 6-month follow-up. Results: The patients treated with 1470 nm DiLEP had significantly decreased operation time (74.6 ± 17.0 vs 98.8 ± 18.9 minutes, p < 0.001), hemoglobin loss (1.06 ± 0.49 vs 1.59 ± 0.60 g/dL, p < 0.001), bladder irrigation time (22.1 ± 8.1 vs 33.9 ± 10.0 hours, p < 0.001), catheter duration (3.2 ± 1.3 vs 5.8 ± 1.0 days, p < 0.001), and hospital stay (7.6 ± 1.4 vs 9.6 ± 1.3 days, p < 0.001) compared with the PKRP group. Besides, International Index of Erectile Function-5 score of 1470 nm DiLEP group at postoperative 3- and 6-month follow-up was significantly higher than PKRP group. No differences achieving statistical significance were identified in total prostate-specific antigen, maximum urinary flow rate, International Prostate Symptom Score, quality-of-life score, and the postvoid residual urine volume, transient incontinence, urethral stricture, bladder neck contracture, and retrograde ejaculation at 3- and 6-month follow-up. Conclusions: 1470 nm DiLEP is safer than PKRP, with a smaller effect on sexual function, and it is comparable with the efficacy of PKRP, thus making it more suitable for elderly BPH patients. Clinical Trial Registration number: S2021-463-01.

Correlation of prostatic morphological parameters and clinical progression in aging Chinese men with benign prostatic hyperplasia: Results from a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

Our study aimed to investigate the correlation of prostatic morphological parameters and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) clinical progression in aging Chinese men.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, a total of 1038 patients were reviewed. Prostatic morphology was measured by transrectal ultrasound (TRUS). Detailed medical history of all candidates was recorded and analyzed after being classified by specific prostatic measurements. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to estimate the correlation between variables.

RESULTS

The cumulative incidence of BPH clinical progression was 63.68% (661/1038) in the study population. Prostate volume (PV), transitional zone volume (TZV), transitional zone index (TZI), and intravesical prostatic protrusion (IPP) were all positively associated with BPH progression (all p < .001). Patients with a PV > 60 ml, TZV > 15 ml, TZI > 0.5, or IPP > 5 mm had a significantly higher possibility of overall BPH clinical progression (adjusted odds ratio (OR): 2.485, 1.678, 1.886, and 1.924, respectively; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.559-3.960, 1.131-2.489, 1.379-2.579, and 1.357-2.728, correspondingly).

CONCLUSION

Prostatic morphological parameters are significantly associated with BPH clinical progression. Patients with larger prostatic morphological parameters are more easily prone to clinical progress. As a result, reasonable managements should be timely considered for those patients before clinical progression occurs.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and Kidney Stone Disease Thermobalancing Therapy with Dr Allen’s Device: Key to Successful Ageing Without Medications, Surgery, and Risky Exposure to Coronavirus Infection

Background: The choice of treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and kidney stone disease (KSD) impacts the attainment of successful ageing and the level of patient care required in the long-term. Medications and surgeries typically used for these conditions have serious side effects and can interfere with healthy aging. Objectives: This study assesses the impact of Dr Allen’s Therapeutic devices (DATD) and thermobalancing therapy® (TT) on the ageing process of people with BPH and KSD. Methods: This study evaluated the outcomes of a clinical trial investigating the dynamics of symptoms and parameters in 124 male patients with BPH who used DATD as a monotherapy for six months at home and compared the results with a control group comprising 124 BPH patients who did not receive treatment with DATD. Furthermore, five case studies were randomly selected for assessment from 10-year empirical observations of patients with KSD treated with DATD. Results: DATD with TT reduced prostate volume (PV) from 45 mL to 31 mL (P < 0.001) and reduced urinary symptoms score from 14.2 to 4.9 (P < 0.001). It also improved quality of life (QoL) as measured by the reduction in the International Prostate Symptom score (I-PSS) from 3.9 to 1.3 (P < 0.001), while the control group showed no positive changes. DATD with TT dissolved kidney stones without renal colic in all patients. No side effects were observed. Conclusions: Using DATD and TT to treat BPH and KSD demonstrated high efficacy, safety, and easy disease management at home. In contrast, medications and surgeries for BPH and KSD often lead to sexual dysfunction, depression, hypertension, chronic kidney failure, and other morbidities, requiring an increased care level in the long-term. Thus, DATD and TT generate high treatment efficacy with lower exposure to coronavirus, reduce long-term care needs, and are vital to attaining successful ageing and longevity.

Efficacy and tolerability of Roystonea regia lipid extract (D-004) and terazosin in men with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia: a 6-month study

BACKGROUND

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a common urological disease in aging men, frequently produces lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Clinical studies have shown that terazosin relaxes the smooth muscle of the prostate and bladder, facilitates bladder emptying, improves LUTS, increases maximum urinary flow, and reduces the residual volume of urine. D-004, a lipid extract of the fruit of the Cuban royal palm (Roystonea regia), presents a similar efficacy to Saw palmetto. Clinical studies have demonstrated its efficacy and safety in short- and medium-term trials in patients with BPH. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy and tolerability of D-004 with terazosin for 6 months on LUTS in patients with BPH.

METHODS

The present phase III study had an open, randomized, comparative design, with two parallel groups who received D-004 (320 mg/day) or terazosin (5 mg/day) for 6 months. The study included men at least 50 years of age, with evidence of the LUTS of moderate intensity according to the International Symptoms of the Prostate (IPSS). The effects on the IPSS Scale was the primary efficacy variable. The effects on the size of the prostate and the residual volume were secondary variables. The subjective self-perception of symptom relief at trial completion was a collateral outcome. Analysis was done by intention-to-treat.

RESULTS

The study included 100 men with a diagnosis of BPH, confirmed by digital rectal examination and ultrasonography, and moderate LUTS (IPSS score >7, <19). Baseline characteristics were similar in both groups. Nine patients did not continue the study: one from group D-004 (due to protocol violation) and eight from the terazosin group (six due to adverse events and two due to protocol violation; p < 0.01). D-004 and terazosin significantly reduced the IPSS scores at the end of the 6 months of therapy by 74.2% and 66.1%, respectively, with respect to baseline values. Comparisons between groups performed showed that, at the end of the treatment, D-004 was more effective (p < 0.05) than terazosin in reducing the IPSS score. Although the average size of the prostate was reduced in both groups, this reduction reached statistical significance only for D-004. On the other hand, postvoid residual volume was significantly and similarly reduced in both groups. Both treatments were safe, while D-004 was better tolerated than terazosin.

CONCLUSIONS

D-004 administered at a dose of 320 mg/day for 6 months showed comparable efficacy with terazosin (5 mg/day) in reducing the LUTS (IPSS score), producing a significant decrease in prostate volume and postvoid residual volume. Both treatments were safe, with better tolerability for D-004 as compared with terazosin.

Prescription pattern of alpha-blockers for management of lower urinary tract symptoms/benign prostatic hyperplasia

This study investigated trends in the prescription of α-blockers for patients with BPH, focusing on changing patterns of prescriptions during 2002–2013 using National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort data. A total of 65,596 Korean males over 50 years old diagnosed with BPH were identified from the NHIS-NSC database between 2002–2013. Patterns of each α -blocker prescription were analyzed and persistence rate, switch rate, and return rate during a follow-up period of 3 years after the first prescription were calculated. A total of 28,318 men over 50 years old (64.95 ± 9.12), changed medication within six months following the first prescription of α -blocker. (1) Tamsulosin showed the highest persistence rate when compared with other α-blockers (2) Among patients who switched to a second α-blocker, tamsulosin showed the highest return rate when compared with other α-blockers. Tamsulosin has been the most commonly prescribed α1-blocker since the mid-2000s, in line with its demonstrated highest persistence and return rates. These data probably reflect patient satisfaction with α1-blockers in the management of BPH, in which the decision to stop and switch pharmacological treatments is primarily based on changes in symptoms or side effects.

Patient's adherence on pharmacological therapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)-associated lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) is different: is combination therapy better than monotherapy?

BACKGROUND

Recent studies showed that the non-adherence to the pharmacological therapy of patients affected by BPH-associated LUTS increased the risk of clinical progression of BPH. We examined the patients adherence to pharmacological therapy and its clinical consequences in men with BPH-associated LUTS looking at the differences between drug classes comparing mono vs combination therapy.

METHODS

A retrospective, population-based cohort study, using prescription administrative database and hospital discharge codes from a total of 1.5 million Italian men. Patients ≥ 40 years, administered alpha-blockers (AB) and 5alpha-reductase inhibitors (5ARIs), alone or in combination (CT), for BPH-associated LUTS were analyzed. The 1-year and long term adherence together with the analyses of hospitalization rates for BPH and BPH-related surgery were examined using multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression model and Pearson chi square test.

RESULTS

Patients exposed to at least 6 months of therapy had a 1-year overall adherence of 29 % (monotherapy AB 35 %, monotherapy 5ARI 18 %, CT 9 %). Patient adherence progressively declined to 15 %, 8 % and 3 % for AB, 5ARI, and CT, respectively at the fifth year of follow up. Patients on CT had a higher discontinuation rate along all the follow-up compared to those under monotherapy with ABs or 5ARIs (all p < 0.0001). Moreover, CT was associated with a reduced risk of hospitalization for BPH-related surgery (HR 0.94; p < 0.0001) compared to AB monotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Adherence to pharmacological therapy of BPH-associated LUTS is low and varies depending on drugs class. Patients under CT have a higher likelihood of discontinuing treatment for a number of reasons that should be better investigated. Our study suggests that new strategies aiming to increase patient's adherence to the prescribed treatment are necessary in order to prevent BPH progression.

Vapoenucleation of the prostate using a high-power thulium laser: a one-year follow-up study

BACKGROUND

Prostate vaporization and enucleation is a novel treatment option for bladder outlet obstruction caused by benign prostate enlargement. This surgical technique, however, has not yet been standardized. We present our findings of using a high-power thulium laser to accomplish vapoenucleation of the prostate (ThuVEP).

METHODS

We prospectively collected and analyzed data from 29 patients who underwent ThuVEP between August 2010 and May 2012. The control group included 30 patients who underwent traditional transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). Operative variables, patient profiles, preoperative and postoperative urine flow rates, prostate volume (measured using transrectal ultrasonography), and the international prostate symptom score (IPSS) were recorded and analyzed using a two-tailed Student's t-test and analysis of variance.

RESULTS

The ages (mean ± SD) of the patients were 76.1 ± 9.4 and 72.6 ± 7.4 years (p = 0.28) in the ThuVEP and TURP groups, respectively. The average urinary flow rates before and 12 months after the operation (volume/maximum flow/average flow) were 243.3/10.5/5.0 and 302.8/17.6/9.4 (in mL, mL/s, mL/s, respectively) in the ThuVEP group and 247.2/10.8/4.6 and 369.9/20.8/12.0, respectively, in the TURP group. Preoperative and postoperative IPSSs were 17.1 ± 5.0 and 6.5 ± 3.8, respectively, in the ThuVEP group and 18.2 ± 4.5 and 6.2 ± 3.3, respectively, in the TURP group. The mean ratio of the estimated postoperative residual prostate volume to the preoperative total volume was 0.47 (p = 0.449) in both groups. The overall complication rate was 20.7% in the ThuVEP group and 30.0% in the TURP group.

CONCLUSIONS

One year of follow-up showed that ThuVEP and TURP effectively alleviated subjective and objective voiding symptoms with a low rate of complications. Thus, vapoenucleation using a high-power laser is feasible in elderly patients.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ISRCTN registry with study ID ISRCTN52339705 . Date assigned: 06/03/2015.

Drug adherence and clinical outcomes for patients under pharmacological therapy for lower urinary tract symptoms related to benign prostatic hyperplasia: population-based cohort study

BACKGROUND

Little is known about drug adherence in men treated for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is one of the causes of LUTS.

OBJECTIVE

To examine adherence to pharmacological therapy and its clinical value in men with LUTS.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Population-based cohort study using an administrative prescription database and hospital discharge codes for 1.5 million men aged ≥40 yr treated with alpha blockers (ABs) and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5ARIs) alone or in combination (CT).

INTERVENTIONS

Therapy with ABs and/or 5ARIs.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

The 1-yr and long-term adherence; hospitalization rates for BPH and BPH surgery. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model, propensity score matching, and sensitivity analyses.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

The 1-yr adherence was 29% in patients exposed to at least 6-mo therapy. Patients on CT had a higher discontinuation rate in the first 2 yr compared to those on monotherapy (p<0.0001). Overall hospitalization rates for BPH and BPH surgery were 9.04 and 12.6 per 1000 patient-years, respectively. A lower risk of hospitalization was observed for 5ARI compared to AB therapy (hazard ratio [HR] 0.46 and 0.23; p<0.0001). CT was associated with a reduced risk of hospitalization for BPH surgery (HR 0.94; p<0.0001) compared to AB. Discontinuation of drug treatment was an independent risk factor for hospitalization for BPH and BPH surgery (HR 1.65 and 2.80; p<0.0001) regardless of therapeutic group. Limitations include the paucity of clinical measures and the absence of patient-reported outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Adherence to pharmacological therapy for BPH is low and could affect clinical outcomes. Long-term 5ARI and CT use was associated with an independent reduced risk of hospitalization for BPH surgery. Our findings suggest the need for new strategies to increase patient adherence to prescribed treatment and more appropriate prescribing by physicians.

PATIENT SUMMARY

Our research shows that adherence to prescribed pharmacological therapy is crucial in the management of patients suffering from lower urinary tract symptoms. Moreover, pharmacological therapy can prevent disease progression.

Health-related quality-of-life findings for the prostate cancer prevention trial

BACKGROUND

The Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial (PCPT)-a randomized placebo-controlled study of the efficacy of finasteride in preventing prostate cancer-offered the opportunity to prospectively study effects of finasteride and other covariates on the health-related quality of life of participants in a multiyear trial.

METHODS

We assessed three health-related quality-of-life domains (measured with the Health Survey Short Form-36: Physical Functioning, Mental Health, and Vitality scales) via questionnaires completed by PCPT participants at enrollment (3 months before randomization), at 6 months after randomization, and annually for 7 years. Covariate data obtained at enrollment from patient-completed questionnaires were included in our model. Mixed-effects model analyses and a cross-sectional presentation at three time points began at 6 months after randomization. All statistical tests were two-sided.

RESULTS

For the physical function outcome (n = 16 077), neither the finasteride main effect nor the finasteride interaction with time were statistically significant. The effects of finasteride on physical function were minor and accounted for less than a 1-point difference over time in Physical Functioning scores (mixed-effect estimate = 0.07, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -0.28 to 0.42, P = .71). Comorbidities such as congestive heart failure (estimate = -5.64, 95% CI = -7.96 to -3.32, P < .001), leg pain (estimate = -2.57, 95% CI = -3.04 to -2.10, P < .001), and diabetes (estimate = -1.31, 95% CI = -2.04 to -0.57, P < .001) had statistically significant negative effects on physical function, as did current smoking (estimate = -2.34, 95% CI = -2.97 to -1.71, P < .001) and time on study (estimate = -1.20, 95% CI = -1.36 to -1.03, P < .001). Finasteride did not have a statistically significant effect on the other two dependent variables, mental health and vitality, either in the mixed-effects analyses or in the cross-sectional analysis at any of the three time points.

CONCLUSION

Finasteride did not negatively affect SF-36 Physical Functioning, Mental Health, or Vitality scores.

Effect of Discontinuation of Tamsulosin in Korean Men with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Taking Tamsulosin and Dutasteride: An Open-Label, Prospective, Randomized Pilot Study

OBJECTIVE

This study was conducted to examine the effect of discontinuing tamsulosin in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia who had been receiving combination therapy with tamsulosin and dutasteride.

METHODS

The study sample consisted of 108 men with benign prostatic hyperplasia and lower urinary tract symptoms who visited our urology clinics between April 2008 and December 2010. All were assessed using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS). The patients had IPSS of 8-19 and prostate volumes ≥25 mL by transrectal ultrasonography. They were put on tamsulosin and dutasteride, and the efficacy of this regimen was assessed every 12 weeks. After 48 weeks, patients were divided at random into a group continuing to take the same drug combination (group 1) and a group taking only dutasteride 0.5 mg (group 2).

RESULTS

Sixty-nine of the original 108 patients completed the study, 36 (52%) in group 1 and 33 (48%) in group 2. The mean age of all patients was 67.96 ± 7.88 years and mean prostatic volume was 40.45 ± 12.81 mL. Mean prostate-specific antigen was 3.31 (0.4-9.9) ng/mL at the outset. The IPSS scores of the two groups at first visit, 48 and 72 weeks were, respectively, 14.69 versus 15.85 (P = 0.322), 12.08 versus 12.85 (P = 0.582) and 10.89 versus 11.06 (P = 0.897.) There was a statistically significant difference between the baseline and 72-week IPSS scores in both groups (group 1: P < 0.001, group 2: P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

In patients with moderate IPSS, discontinuing tamsulosin after 48 weeks of combined tamsulosin and dutasteride therapy has no significant effect on outcome.

Biomarkers for the diagnosis of prostatic inflammation in benign prostatic hyperplasia

BACKGROUND

Chronic prostatic inflammation could be a central mechanism in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) progression. Currently, the histological examination of prostate biopsies remains the only way to diagnose prostatic inflammation. Our objective was to find new noninvasive biomarkers for the diagnosis of prostatic inflammation.

METHODS

Ninety BPH samples were investigated in two steps. First, a hypothesis was generated using a profiling procedure with a panel of 96 genes on an initial set of 30 samples. Then, the candidate biomarkers were validated on a large number of samples (n = 90). Gene expression was compared with the histological prostatic inflammation score based on the density and the confluence of lymphoid nodules. Finally, protein transcripts of the candidate biomarkers were investigated in urine samples and compared with clinical data.

RESULTS

Of the 96 genes, nine were significantly correlated with the inflammation score on the initial set of patients. Four of them were validated on the complete set of patients: CCR7, CD40LG, CTLA4, and ICOS. ICOS and CTLA4 protein levels were readily measured in urine samples using a conventional ELISA procedure. High-ICOS expression in urine was associated with a higher post-void residual and a lower maximum urinary flow rate.

CONCLUSIONS

Four genes were significantly upregulated at the mRNA level in the prostate tissue of patients with severe inflammation score. Two proteins were measured in urine samples, and were associated with maximum uroflowmetry and post-void residual. A prospective clinical study is needed to confirm their clinical relevance.