Survey of patient and partner satisfaction following collagenase Clostridium histolyticum treatment for Peyronie's disease

Intralesional and topical treatments for Peyronie's disease: a narrative review of current knowledge

ABSTRACT

Peyronie's disease (PD) presents a multifaceted challenge in contemporary urological practice, marked by penile deformity, pain, and the potential for erectile dysfunction. We meticulously explored the existing literature of intralesional/topical interventions, aiming to provide clinicians with a nuanced understanding of available options for comprehensive PD management. To conduct this review, we performed a systematic search using the PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect databases, including the keywords of combination of the "Peyronie's disease/plastic induration of the penis (PIP) and intralesional/topical treatments". The study selection was based on adherence to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, resulting in the inclusion of 16 articles. We delve into the effectiveness and safety profiles of collagenase Clostridium histolyticum (CCH), interferon, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), hyaluronic acid, botulinum toxin, stem cell, extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), and traction therapy, assessing their impact on penile curvature, length improvement, and patient-reported symptoms and outcomes. The best options evaluated are intralesional injections of CCH and penile traction devices, alone or in combination. Despite PD remains a challenge for urologists, the objective of this review is to contribute to the evolving landscape of PD management, fostering informed decision-making, and personalized care for individuals grappling with this challenging condition.

The impact of Peyronie's disease on couples

PURPOSE

Peyronie's disease is an acquired fibrosis of penile albuginea which modifies the penile morphology. Few studies described the consequences of Peyronie's disease on the intimate environment. We studied consequences on the patient and on the partner(s).

METHODS

We questioned last patients followed in our center and more specifically the partners in a direct way, through an online questionnaire, integrating a validated score (HAD score).

RESULTS

Fifty-five patients and 41 partners gave their agreement by answering the questionnaire. Median age was 51.8 years, with a median duration of symptoms of 15 months. Patients described penile deformation (96%), erectile pain (80%) and erectile dysfunction (40%). Patients had penile pain at rest (26%) or sleep disorders (60%). The level of sexual desire was lower in 86%, Penetrative sex was possible in 87%, couple relationship was deteriorated in 40%. Penile deformation bothers 61% of partners. During the stable phase, 60% of patients underwent surgery. HAD score in the general population was 20.24. The 0-60° subgroup was statistically less anxious (10.06 vs. 13.25) and depressed (7.68 vs. 10.05) than the > 60° subgroup (P<0.05). Partners made research on the disease in 51% of cases; the feeling of having been involved in disease management was found in 66% of cases. Most of partners felt powerless or frustrated.

CONCLUSION

Peyronie's disease has a certain psychological impact on the couple. It combines depressive and social disorders, a devaluation of patients and an alteration of their intimacy. The role of partners in the management of this pathology is undervalued. This must be a subject of further studies to guarantee optimal overal.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3

Improvement in the ability to have sex in patients with Peyronie's disease treated with Collagenase Clostridium histolyticum

Objective

To describe the results of intralesional Collagenase Clostridium histolyticum (CCH) treatment in patients with Peyronie's disease (PD) in real-world setting. PD is characterized by curvature of the erect penis caused by fibrotic tissue in the tunica albuginea.

Patients and methods

Patients with stable PD and curvature of 30° to 90° were prospectively enrolled. CCH injections were initially given using a scheme of four cycles of two injections within 48-72 h every 6 weeks. Later using a modified scheme of three injections every 4 weeks, combined with a vacuum erection device (VED) twice daily. All patients were requested to take pictures of the erect penis prior to and following treatment, from above and laterally. Curvature was measured by three independent researchers based on the provided pictures using a goniometer. Furthermore, patients filled in the Peyronie Disease Questionnaire-NL (PDQ-NL) and Patient Reported Outcome Measurement (PROM).

The primary outcome was reduction in curvature and the ability to have penetrating sex again. Secondary outcomes include pain scores during injections, changes in PDQ-NL, PROM and complications of CCH treatment.

Results

Sixty-three patients were included, mean age was 56.0 years (range 39-70) and mean reduction in curvature 20.6° (SD 10.2, range 5-49); 74.5% of the patients were able to have penetrating sex again following treatment, compared with 41.2% prior to treatment. According to the PROM questions, sexual improvement was seen in 66.7% of patients. The satisfaction rate was 6.8 (SD 1.8). All patients save two recommend treatment.

Conclusions

Intralesional treatment with CCH in men with PD leads to a mean curvature improvement of 20.6°. Following treatment, 74.5% of men were able to have sexual intercourse and 54.9% of the couples were satisfied with their sex life. No major complications occurred in the patients treated with CCH. CCH is not available in Europe anymore despite good results.

Peyronie's Disease: What About the Female Sexual Partner?

INTRODUCTION

Peyronie's disease (PD) is an acquired wound-healing disorder of the penis involving fibrosis and scar formation within the tunica albuginea that can lead to various penile deformities resulting in penile pain, sexual dysfunction, low self-esteem, and emotional distress. While many studies highlight the psychosocial impact of PD on the patient, little is known about the female partner's experience regarding PD and its management.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate and summarize the available clinical data on the effects of the disease and its management on female sexual partners of patients with PD.

METHODS

A search of the available medical literature using the MEDLINE and PubMed databases was performed. The queried terms included the following: Peyronie's disease, partner, female, dyspareunia, relationship, satisfaction, survey, and outcome. Studies were included only if the female sexual partners were directly evaluated or interviewed.

RESULTS

PD can have a significant impact on the sexual function and satisfaction of female sexual partners. Most female sexual partners reported an improvement in their relationship, a decrease in sexual dysfunction, and improved overall satisfaction after both surgical and nonsurgical treatment.

CONCLUSION

PD can be emotionally debilitating for patients and their partners. It has been associated with depression, social stigmatization, isolation, diminished self-worth, and avoidance of intimacy. A partner's experience with PD, as well as its management and outcomes, is an understudied entity that warrants further investigation and may be useful in guiding future treatment approaches. Kern T, Ye N, Abdelsayed GA. Peyronie's Disease: What About the Female Sexual Partner?. Sex Med Rev 2021;9:230-235.

Non-invasive treatment in the management of Peyronie's disease

Peyronies disease (PD) is estimated to affect approximately 3-9% of men worldwide and maybe associated with pain, erectile dysfunction and penile deformity including shortening. The condition has significant debilitating effects on quality of life, self-esteem and psychological wellbeing in addition to sexual function. Surgical results add further to this by patients having dissatisfaction with various aspects of outcomes. Non-surgical management may allow patients to avoid the morbidities associated with surgery and still achieve improved functional and aesthetic outcomes. Several non-surgical options are currently being employed in the treatment of PD that may reduce or stabilize both objective measures (e.g. penile length and deformity) and subjective measures (including sexual function, pain and partner satisfaction). Nonsurgical management can allow patients to avoid the morbidities associated with surgery and still achieve improved functional and aesthetic outcomes. In this article we explore the current non-surgical management options for PD including oral, mechanical therapies, intralesional and topical treatments. We also briefly discuss future treatment options in the form of stem cell therapy.

Review of Management Options for Active-Phase Peyronie's Disease

INTRODUCTION

Peyronie's disease (PD) is a fibrotic disorder that leads to plaque formation in ∼3-9% of adult men. Connective tissue buildup results in plaque formation, penile curvature and shortening, and in some cases, pain. In the active phase of PD, penile pain is a common symptom, often accompanied by progression in curvature. Treatment options for PD include oral drugs, topical cream, intralesional injections, traction, and shock wave therapy. This article reviews the different treatment options for active-phase PD.

AIM

To provide a comprehensive review of the current evidence-based treatments, focusing on active-phase PD.

METHODS

A PubMed database search was performed for studies on conservative therapy. We reviewed current clinical practices and trials for the treatment of active-phase PD and assessed their applicability as treatment options.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Define the most recent and effective therapies for the improvement in penile curvature in men presenting with acute PD.

RESULTS

A number of trials have resulted in significant benefits in the treatment of PD. Many of the oral therapies studied improved patient outcomes, but the data are insufficient. Similarly, there is no approved topical therapy by guidelines. The best options are intralesional injections of collagenase Clostridium histolyticum (CCh) and interferon-α2b. Shock wave therapy is not recommended for treatment of curvature, but has been shown to improve pain. Traction therapy may have a role in improving PD curve and penile length.

CONCLUSION

PD remains a challenge for urologists. Evidence suggests that, for oral therapy, a combination of drugs produces better results. Shock wave therapy is still unproven. Intralesional therapy delivers the best evidence for improvement in the active phase. CCh is the only FDA-approved treatment option available. Penile traction therapy may improve patient outcomes. Brimley SC, Yafi FA, Greenberg J, et al. Review of Management Options for Active-Phase Peyronie's Disease. Sex Med Rev 2019;7:329-337.

Contemporary surgical and non-surgical management of Peyronie's disease

Numerous treatments have been proposed for Peyronie's disease (PD). As the evidence base has expanded, the field of operative and non-operative options for patients has narrowed. Collagenase clostridium hystolyticum (CCH) injection now comprises the medical option, and surgical possibilities entail penile plication, plaque incision/excision and grafting, and prosthesis implantation. Still, questions abound regarding the optimal approach and indication for each of these treatments. We conducted a review of literature exploring the contemporary management of PD with a particular focus on work since the last American Urologic Association's (AUA) guidelines update for PD. Recent results and discussion indicate trends toward minimal invasiveness, toward a more holistic approach to the PD patient, and away from algorithmic management, galvanized, in part, by data challenging long-held beliefs.

Predictive Factors of Patients' and Their Partners' Sexual Function Improvement After Collagenase Clostridium Histolyticum Injection for Peyronie's Disease: Results From a Multi-Center Single-Arm Study

BACKGROUND

Collagenase Clostridium histolyticum (CCH; Xiapex) injections represent the only licensed medical treatment for Peyronie's disease (PD).

AIM

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of CCH injections in men with stable PD, using a modified treatment protocol and to assess partners' bother improvement in a large cohort of White-European sexually active heterosexual men treated in a single tertiary-referral center.

METHODS

All the 135 patients enrolled underwent a thorough assessment, which included history taking, physical examination, and pharmacologically induced artificial erection test (intra-cavernous injection) to assess the degree of penile curvature (PC) at baseline and after the completion of the treatment. Patients with calcified plaque and/or ventral curvature were excluded. All patients underwent a modified treatment protocol, which consisted of 3 intra-lesional injections of 0.9 mg of CCH performed at 4-week intervals at the point of maximum curvature. After each injection, patients were instructed to follow a strict routine involving daily penile stretching in the intervals between injections.

OUTCOMES

International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF)-15, Global Assessment of PD, PD questionnaires (PDQ), and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire were performed at baseline and at the end of treatment.

RESULTS

Overall, 135 patients completed the study protocol. Before treatment, 18 (13.33%) partners showed a degree of sexual dysfunction. Baseline median IIEF-15, FSFI, and PDQ scores were, respectively, 59.0, 35.0, and 23.0. Overall, both IIEF-total and all domains significantly improved after treatment (all P < .01). A PC mean change of 19.07 (P = .00) was measured. At the univariate linear regression analysis, IIEF-15, IIEF-erectile function, IIEF-sexual desire, and IIEF-intercourse satisfaction were positively associated with FSFI (all P ≤ .03); conversely, PDQ-penile pain, PDQ-symptom bother, and post-treament penile curvature (P ≤ .04) were associated with a decreased FSFI score. Furthermore, median change of PC was significantly associated with median change of FSFI (r = 0.25; 95% CI 0.02-0.11; P = .004). Global satisfaction after treatment was 89.6% (121/135).

CLINICAL TRANSLATION

This modified CCH treatment protocol could improve both patients' and partner's sexual function.

STRENGTH AND LIMITATIONS

This was an open-label, single-arm clinical study, without placebo. where only heterosexual couples in stable relationships were included. Furthermore, no real assessment of female sexual distress was carried out and long-term sexual function in both patients and female partners were not taken into account.

CONCLUSIONS

The modified treatment schedule with CCH injections for stable PD has a positive impact on both patients' and partners' sexual function in heterosexual couples with a stable sexual relationship. Cocci A, Russo GI, Salonia A, et al. Predictive Factors of Patients' and Their Partners' Sexual Function Improvement After Collagenase Clostridium Histolyticum Injection for Peyronie's Disease: Results From a Multi-Center Single-Arm Study. J Sex Med 2018;15:716-721.

Intralesional collagenase Clostridium histolyticum in the management of Peyronie's disease: current best practice

The use of Clostridium histolyticum collagenase (CCH) has become increasingly widespread for the treatment of Peyronie's disease (PD) in recent years. Numerous trials have confirmed both its safety and efficacy in appropriately selected patients with this condition. The purpose of this review is to examine pivotal trials demonstrating the efficacy of CCH, revisit viable candidates for treatment with intralesional injection therapy, and provide a summary of injection technique and appropriate management of patients receiving this treatment at the time of therapy and in follow up.