Adherence to Initial PDE5 Inhibitor Treatment: Randomized OpenLabel Study Comparing Tadalafil Once a Day, Tadalafil on Demand, and Sildenafil on Demand in Patients with Erectile Dysfunction

Effects of continuous use of Tadalafil on male sexual function after posterior urethroplasty: A clinical trial

INTRODUCTION

Posterior urethral injuries in men commonly occur following pelvic and perineal trauma. Erectile dysfunction (ED), whether brought on by the severity of the initial trauma or the surgery itself, is one of the complications in these patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, we divided candidates of posterior urethroplasty due to traumatic urethral injury into intervention and placebo groups; the former received continuous treatment with tadalafil (10 mg daily), and the latter received a placebo. Other services were provided equally to both groups. Before and after the intervention, both groups completed the International Index of Erectile Function version 5 (IIEF-5) questionnaire, and the findings were analyzed.

RESULTS

Forty patients were studied in groups of 20 with a mean age of 43.87 ± 15.70 years. The patient's most common cause of urethral injury was a pelvic fracture. Before the intervention, the mean scores of IIEF for patients in the intervention group and placebo group were 14.85 ± 7.39 and 14.77 ± 6.48, respectively with no statistical significance (p = 0.962) and patients of the groups were similar in terms of the severity of ED. The mean IIEF score in the intervention group was 20.12 ± 4.94 and in the placebo group, it was 18.05 ± 4.88 at the three-month follow-up, with no statistically significant difference (p = 0.063). In both the intervention and placebo groups, the IIEF score was significantly increased by 5.27 ± 4.04 (p < 0.001) and 3.27 ± 2.97 (p < 0.001), respectively. The rate of IIEF increase in the intervention group was higher than in the placebo group during the follow-up at 3-month follow-up with statistical significance. (p = 0.022).

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study suggest that tadalafil, in a 3-month treatment course, may improve erectile function in individuals with mild-to-moderate ED, significantly more than placebo. However, more studies, specifically with longer duration of follow-up and larger populations, are necessary for generalizing the current findings.

The Race to Replace PDE5i: Recent Advances and Interventions to Treat or Manage Erectile Dysfunction: Evidence from Patent Landscape (2016-2021)

For a few decades, globally, erectile dysfunction (ED) has become more prominent even in young adults and represents a mounting health concern causing a significant effect on men’s quality of life. There is an expectation that by the end of 2025, the number of ED cases can rise to 322 million. We aimed to comprehensively analyze the scientific output of scholarly articles and studies in the field of ED (2016–2021). Data from scholarly articles were collected using Pubmed, and clinical trials-related information was accessed from the clinical trials website. An extensive patent search was conducted using databases such as USPTO (United States patent and trademark office) and EPO (European patent office), WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization), etc. Owing to the high market value of ED drugs, considerable interest was attained to grab the opportunities. The race to replace the phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor (PDE5 inhibitor-PDE5i) can be identified as evident from the significant number of patents filed and the inventions cleared with clinical trials. Some other intriguing interventions are identified for ED treatment but have yet to gain public acceptance. The current analysis confirms the overall evolution and unexplored corners of research on ED treatment strategies with a current global projection.

Pharmacological management of male sexual dysfunction

Male sexual disorders, which are the target of clinical treatment, can be largely divided into erectile dysfunction (ED), ejaculation disorder, infertility, sexual desire disorder, hypogonadism, and other diseases related to penile structure changes, such as Peyronieʼs disease. Current approaches to ED treatment for most men are based on pharmacotherapy. Pharmacotherapy has evolved since the introduction of papaverine and phenoxybenzamine in the early 1980s. Sildenafil, a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor (PDE5I), was the first approved drug for ED. Currently, PDE5Is are the most widely prescribed drugs and have an overall efficacy of 60% to 80% in all categories of ED. Most drugs used in ED are peripheral agents that act on the penis. If a combined treatment with a central nervous system agent and peripheral agents is possible, it may be an effective treatment strategy with higher efficacy. Premature ejaculation (PE) is the most frequent ejaculatory disorder. The absence of a consensus on the definition of PE has served as an obstacle in the investigation of its prevalence and the effectiveness of treatment strategies. Although the etiology of PE is unknown, some biological and psychological hypotheses, including anxiety, penile hypersensitivity, and 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor dysfunction have been suggested. Dapoxetine hydrochloride, a short-acting selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, was approved for on-demand treatment of PE. Off-label use of antidepressants, topical anesthetic agents, tramadol, and PDE5Is is now available as a pharmacological option. The aim of this review is to describe recent advancements in the pharmacological treatment of male sexual disorders, especially focused on ED and PE.

Efficacy and safety of oral phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors for erectile dysfunction: a network meta-analysis and multicriteria decision analysis

PURPOSE

To quantitatively assess the benefit-risk ratio on the efficacy and safety of all phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5i) in men with erectile dysfunction.

METHODS

A systematic review with network meta-analysis, surface under the cumulative ranking analysis and stochastic multicriteria acceptability analyses were performed. Searches were conducted in Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science without limits for time-frame or language. Randomized controlled trials evaluating the efficacy or safety of any PDE5i compared to a placebo or to other PDE5i in males with erectile disfunction were included.

RESULTS

Overall, 184 articles representing 179 randomized controlled trials (50,620 patients) were included. All PDE5i were significantly more efficient than placebo. Sildenafil 25 mg was statistically superior to all interventions in enhancing IIEF (with a 98% probability of being the most effective treatment), followed by sildenafil 50 mg (80% of probability). Taladafil 10 mg and 20 mg also presented good profiles (73% and 76%, respectively). Avanafil and lodenafil were less effective interventions. Mirodenafil 150 mg was the treatment that caused more adverse events, especially flushing and headaches. Sildenafil 100 mg was more related to visual disorders, while vardenafil and udenafil were more prone to cause nasal congestion.

CONCLUSION

Sildenafil at low doses and tadalafil should be the first therapeutic options. Avanafil, lodenafil and mirodenafil use are hardly justified given the lack of expressive efficacy or high rates of adverse events.

Men's beliefs about treatment for erectile dysfunction-what influences treatment use? A systematic review

Successful treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) is associated with improvements in quality of life; however, treatment utilisation is sub-optimal. The aim of this systematic review was to identify the rates of ED treatment utilisation and the barriers and enablers men experience when using treatment. We searched: MEDLINE^®, Embase, the Cochrane library; AMED; HMIC; HTA; CINAHL; PsychARTICLES; PsychINFO up to August 2018. Data on rates of treatment utilisation and barriers and enablers of utilisation were extracted and summarised. Fifty studies were included. Discontinuation rates ranged from 4.4 to 76% for phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, 18.6 to 79.9% for intracavernosal injections, and 32 to 69.2% for urethral suppositories. In relation to those with a penile prosthesis, 30% discontinued having sex due to, e.g. device complications, lack of partner or a loss of sexual interest. Most research included in the current review examined barriers to treatment utilisation and therefore focussed on reasons for discontinuing treatment. However, a small number explored factors that men found helpful with regards to treatment utilisation. The most prevalent barriers to utilisation were treatment ineffectiveness, side effects, the quality of men's intimate relationships and treatment costs. With regards to treatment enablers, the most salient finding was that men who reported side effects to a healthcare professionals (HCPs) were significantly less likely to discontinue treatment. There were limitations in methodology in that the studies did not use validated measures of treatment utilisation or barriers and enablers and no study used psychological theory to inform the examination of factors that influenced treatment utilisation. This review identifies a number of influential factors relating to ED treatment utilisation and highlights the importance of men's beliefs with regards to ED and its treatment. Beliefs are potentially modifiable and therefore the findings of this review highlight important considerations for HCPs with regards to supporting men to make better use of treatment.

Development of a novel topical formulation of glyceryl trinitrate for the treatment of erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED), defined as the inability to initiate or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual intercourse, is common, particularly in men aged ≥50 years. Existing treatments have significant limitations, and there remains a need for a fast-acting (to facilitate spontaneity during intercourse) and well tolerated local therapy. Topical glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) may meet this need because GTN undergoes rapid metabolism in penile smooth muscle and endothelial cells to produce nitric oxide, which plays a key role in the development of erection. This paper describes the rationale for the development of MED2005, a topical GTN formulation using DermaSys® technology, which is undergoing clinical trials for the treatment of ED. Pharmacokinetic studies have shown that MED2005 provides rapid delivery of GTN following application to the glans penis, and a Phase 2(a) trial in men with ED showed that MED2005 produced significant improvements in erectile function, compared with placebo. MED2005 was well tolerated in this trial, with only 21 cases of headache in 1003 intercourse attempts. It is anticipated that MED2005 will provide an effective therapy for ED, with a fast onset of action, good local tolerability, and fewer contraindications than phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors, the current cornerstone of ED therapy.

Effects of Chaihu-Shugan-San capsule for psychogenic erectile dysfunction: Study protocol of a randomized placebo-controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects many adult men worldwide. Many studies on the brain of psychogenic ED have shown significant cerebral functional changes and reduced volume of gray matter and white matter microstructural alterations in widespread brain regions. Chaihu-Shugan-San (CHSGS) capsule has been used to treat ED from the 20th century in China. However, clinical research of CHSGS capsule in the treatment of ED was lack. We design this study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of CHSGS capsule in the treatment of patients suffering from psychogenic ED. Furthermore, we also aim to provide a new evidence as well as an innovation of the clinical treatment in psychogenic ED.

METHODS

This study is designed as a multi-center, 3-arms, randomized trial. From the perspective of psychogenic ED, we will divide patients into 3 groups, which are placebo group, tadalafil group and CHSGS group. One hundred thirty-five patients will be randomly allocated to receive placebo, CHSGS capsule or tadalafil oral pharmacotherapy. After the period of 4-week treatment, the outcome of primary assessment changes in the brain MRI, IIEF-5, EHS, and QEQ total scores from baseline. Secondary assessments include the SEAR, HAMA-14, HAMD-17 scores, response rate of the patients and their partners.

DISCUSSION

We designed this study based on previous research about psychogenic erectile dysfunction (ED). This study will provide objective evidences to evaluate the effects of CHSGS capsule as an adjuvant treatment for psychogenic ED.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

chictr.org.cn, ChiCTR-IOR-1800018301.

Meta-Analysis of the Long-Term Efficacy and Tolerance of Tadalafil Daily Compared With Tadalafil On-Demand in Treating Men With Erectile Dysfunction

Background

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is highly prevalent in aging men. Tadalafil daily and on-demand are widely used for the treatment of ED.

Aim

We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of tadalafil daily compared with tadalafil on-demand in treating men with ED after at least 24 weeks of long-term treatment.

Methods

Randomized controlled trials of tadalafil daily vs on-demand in treating men with ED were searched using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register. Systematic review was carried out using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses. The data was calculated by RevMan version 5.3.0. The references of related articles were also searched.

Outcomes

International Index of Erectile Function-Erectile Function domain, sexual encounter profile question 2 (SEP2), SEP question 3 (SEP3), any treatment-emergent adverse event (AE), discontinuation due to AEs, myalgia, back pain, headache, dyspepsia, and nasopharyngitis.

Results

4 articles, including 1,035 participants were studied. The analysis found that tadalafil daily had a greater improvement than tadalafil on-demand in terms of International Index of Erectile Function-Erectile Function (mean difference (MD) 1.24; 95% CI 0.03−2.44; P = .04), SEP2 (MD 10.08; 95% CI 9.15−11.01; P < .00001) and SEP3 (MD 8.19; 95% CI 2.09−14.29; P = .009) in treating ED after at least 24 weeks treatment cycle. For safety, tadalafil on-demand had a higher incidence of any treatment-emergent AE (odds ratio 0.73; 95% CI 0.56−0.96; P = .02) compared with tadalafil daily, but for other aspects, including discontinuation due to AEs, myalgia, back pain, headache, dyspepsia, and nasopharyngitis, there were no significant difference between the 2 treatments.

Clinical Implications

Tadalafil daily may offer a better effect for ED than on-demand for long-term treatment.

Strengths and Limitations

From the perspective of evidence-based medicine, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of tadalafil daily compared with tadalafil on-demand in treating men with ED after a long-term treatment. The quality of these studies included is flawed, primarily in difference in tadalafil doses and severity of the ED.

Conclusion

Tadalafil daily provides a preferable therapeutic effect for ED with a lower incidence of treatment-emergent side effects relative to tadalafil on-demand after at least 24 weeks of long-term treatment.

Zhou Z, Chen H, Wu J, et al. Meta-Analysis of the Long-Term Efficacy and Tolerance of Tadalafil Daily Compared With Tadalafil On-Demand in Treating Men With Erectile Dysfunction. J Sex Med 2019;7:282–291.

Efficacy and safety of combination of tadalafil and aspirin versus tadalafil or aspirin alone in patients with vascular erectile dysfunction: a comparative randomized prospective study

PURPOSE

We aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of tadalafil, aspirin, and tadalafil + aspirin combination therapy in vascular erectile dysfunction (VED).

METHODS

A total of 336 patients were randomly divided into four groups (group 1, aspirin 100 mg/day, 126 patients; group 2, tadalafil 5 mg/day, 72 patients; group 3, tadalafil 5 mg + aspirin 100 mg, 72 patients; group 4, placebo, 66 patients). In all groups, the changes from baseline to end point in erectile function scores on the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-EF) and the number of patients who answered "yes" to questions 2 and 3 of the sexual encounter profile(SEP) were compared statistically.

RESULTS

The changes in IIEF-EF scores after treatment were 7.2 ± 4.4, 7.3 ± 4.3, 7.5 ± 4.4, and 2.0 ± 4.6 for group 1 (p < 0.0001), group 2 (p < 0.0001), group 3 (p < 0.0001), and group 4 (p = 0.0204), respectively. The change in SEP-2 ratios after treatment were 36.6%, 36.9%, 41.7%, and 9.4% for group 1 (p < 0.0001), group 2 (p < 0.0001), group 3 (p < 0.0001), and group 4 (p = 0.2925), respectively. The change in SEP-3 ratios after treatment was 46.6%, 49.2%, 53.7%, and 12.5% for group 1 (p < 0.0001), group 2 (p < 0.0001), group 3 (p < 0.0001), and group 4 (p = 0.1456), respectively. In group 2, both the number of patients who reported side effects (p < 0.0001) and stopped using the drug due to side effects (p < 0.05) were significantly higher than the control and others groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Successful results were obtained by tadalafil and aspirin monotherapy and tadalafil + aspirin combination therapy in patients with VED. However, the least side effect was observed in the tadalafil + aspirin group. Aspirin can be used alone in the treatment of patients with VED, or combined with tadalafil to reduce side effects and increase success.

Canadian consensus algorithm for erectile rehabilitation following prostate cancer treatment

INTRODUCTION

The present descriptive analysis carried out by a pan-Canadian panel of expert healthcare practitioners (HCPs) summarizes best practices for erectile rehabilitation following prostate cancer (PCa) treatment. This algorithm was designed to support an online sexual health and rehabilitation e-clinic (SHARe-Clinic), which provides biomedical guidance and supportive care to Canadian men recovering from PCa treatment. The implications of the algorithm may be used inform clinical practice in community settings.

METHODS

Men's sexual health experts convened for the TrueNTH Sexual Health and Rehabilitation Initiative Consensus Meeting to address concerns regarding erectile dysfunction (ED) therapy and management following treatment for PCa. The meeting brought together experts from across Canada for a discussion of current practices, latest evidence-based literature review, and patient interviews.

RESULTS

An algorithm for ED treatment following PCa treatment is presented that accounts for treatment received (surgery or radiation), degree of nerve-sparing, and level of pro-erectile treatment invasiveness based on patient and partner values. This algorithm provides an approach from both a biomedical and psychosocial focus that is tailored to the patient/partner presentation. Regular sexual activity is recommended, and the importance of partner involvement in the treatment decision-making process is highlighted, including the management of partner sexual concerns.

CONCLUSIONS

The algorithm proposed by expert consensus considers important factors like the type of PCa treatment, the timeline of erectile recovery, and patient values, with the goal of becoming a nationwide standard for erectile rehabilitation following PCa treatment.

Erectile Dysfunction: AUA Guideline

PURPOSE

The purpose of this guideline is to provide a clinical strategy for the diagnosis and treatment of erectile dysfunction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic review of the literature using the Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane databases (search dates 1/1/1965 to 7/29/17) was conducted to identify peer-reviewed publications relevant to the diagnosis and treatment of erectile dysfunction. Evidence-based statements were based on body of evidence strength Grade A, B, or C and were designated as Strong, Moderate, and Conditional Recommendations with additional statements presented in the form of Clinical Principles or Expert Opinions.

RESULTS

The American Urological Association has developed an evidence-based guideline on the management of erectile dysfunction. This document is designed to be used in conjunction with the associated treatment algorithm.

CONCLUSIONS

Using the shared decision-making process as a cornerstone for care, all patients should be informed of all treatment modalities that are not contraindicated, regardless of invasiveness or irreversibility, as potential first-line treatments. For each treatment, the clinician should ensure that the man and his partner have a full understanding of the benefits and risk/burdens associated with that choice.

The Efficacy of Tadalafil Daily vs on Demand in the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

We present a review comparing the use of tadalafil daily vs on-demand for erectile dysfunction. We examined randomized controlled trials and observational studies that examined the use of tadalafil for at least 8 weeks of follow-up with the primary outcome of International Index for Erectile Dysfunction-Erectile Function domain. Eight studies that examined the desired dosing regimens were identified. Of these, 6 studies included the primary end point of 12 weeks. Those patients taking tadalafil daily for 12 weeks scored on average 1.82 points higher in International Index for Erectile Dysfunction-Erectile Function domain scores, although the difference may not be clinically significant (Fig. 1).

Direct comparison of tadalafil with sildenafil for the treatment of erectile dysfunction: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Aims

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a major care problem worldwide. Tadalafil and sildenafil are the two most common phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors used to treat ED. This systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to directly compare tadalafil with sildenafil for the treatment of ED.

Methods

We designed a strategy for searching the PubMed, Embase, EBSCO, Web of Science and Cochrane library databases; the reference lists of the retrieved studies were also investigated. A literature review was performed to identify all published randomized or non-randomized controlled trials that compared tadalafil with sildenafil for the treatment of ED and to assess the quality of the studies. Two investigators independently and blindly screened the studies for inclusion. The meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.0.

Results

A total of 16 trials that compared tadalafil with sildenafil for the treatment of ED were included in the meta-analysis. In the meta-analysis, tadalafil and sildenafil appeared to have similar efficacies and overall adverse event rates. However, compared with sildenafil, tadalafil significantly improved psychological outcomes. Furthermore, the patients and their partners preferred tadalafil over sildenafil, and no significant difference was found in the adherence and persistence rates between tadalafil and sildenafil. Additionally, the myalgia and back pain rates were higher and the flushing rate was lower with tadalafil than with sildenafil.

Conclusion

Tadalafil shares a similar efficacy and safety with sildenafil and significantly improves patients’ sexual confidence. Furthermore, patients and their partners prefer tadalafil to sildenafil. Hence, tadalafil may be a better choice for ED treatment.

Aging and sexual health: getting to the problem

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is one of the most common disorders in male and is often associated with other age-related comorbidities. The aging process affects the structural organization and function of penile erectile components such as smooth muscle cell and vascular architecture. These modifications affect penile hemodynamics by impairing cavernosal smooth muscle cell relaxation, reducing penile elasticity, compliance and promoting fibrosis. This review aims to identify the mechanisms of ED in the penile aging process in experimental and clinical data. It also highlights areas that are in need of more research. The search strategies yielded total records screened from PubMed. Clarification of the molecular mechanisms that accompanies corpus cavernosum aging and aging-associated ED will aid new perspectives in the development of novel mechanism-based therapeutic approaches. Age is not a limiting factor for ED medical management, and it is never too late to treat. Hypogonadism should be managed regardless of age, and synergistic effects have been found during testosterone (T) replacement therapy when used along with oral phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors. Therefore, the clinical management of ED related to aging can be done by therapeutic interventions that include PDE-5 inhibitors, and other pharmacological treatments.

First-generation phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors dropout: a comprehensive review and meta-analysis

The discontinuation rate with phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5i) remains very high. The aim of this study was to review and meta-analyze currently available data regarding dropout of the first-generation of PDE5i including sildenafil, vardenafil, and tadalafil. An extensive Medline Embase and Cochrane search was performed including the following words: 'PDE5i', 'discontinuation'. All observational studies reporting the dropout rate of PDE5i and its specific causes without any arbitrary restrictions were included. Out of 103 retrieved articles, 22 were included in the study. Retrieved trials included a total of 162,936 patients with a mean age of 58.8 ± 7.9 years. Prevalence of reported comorbid diabetes and hypertension were 27.7% and 36.9%, respectively. PDE5i were associated with a mean discontinuation rate of 4% per month (almost 50% after one year). This rate was higher in younger subjects and in those reporting a higher prevalence of associated morbidities. Six main reasons of PDE5i dropout were identified in the evaluated trials. Partner-related problems and lack of efficacy represented the most important reasons for PDE5i discontinuation, although no significant difference among factors was detected. In conclusion, despite their high efficacy and easy administration, the discontinuation rate and dissatisfaction with PDE5i are still very high. Our data showed that no single factor plays a major role in PDE5i dropout, suggesting that the discontinuation rate is usually because of a combination of both medical problems and psychosocial and relational factors.

Tadalafil 5 mg once daily for the treatment of erectile dysfunction during a 6-month observational study (EDATE): impact of patient characteristics and comorbidities

BACKGROUND

To explore the impact of patient-characteristics and relevant comorbidities on treatment continuation rates, effectiveness, and satisfaction in patients with erectile dysfunction (ED) who started or switched to tadalafil 5 mg once daily (TAD-OaD) at baseline.

METHODS

In the EDATE observational study, phosphodiesterase-type-5 (PDE5)-inhibitor pretreated or naïve ED patients who started or switched to TAD-OaD were prospectively followed for 6 months. Time to discontinuation of TAD-OaD was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier product-limit method at Months 2, 4, and 6 in subgroups stratified by age (18 - 65 years and >65 years), PDE5-inhibitor pretreatment, ED-severity (mild, moderate, severe), and presence or absence of relevant comorbidities (BPH, diabetes, CVD, hypertension, dyslipidemia). LSmean change from baseline in International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction (EDITS) scores and associated 95 % CIs were assessed using a mixed-model for repeated measures. Visit, ED etiology, and subgroups were included as fixed-effects.

RESULTS

Overall, 778 patients received prescriptions for initiating or switching to TAD-OaD at baseline. At Month 2, >90 % of patients remained on TAD-OaD, except those aged >65 years (86.7 %) and patients with severe ED (89.0 %). More than 80 % of patients in all subgroups, except those aged >65 years (75.0 %), continued TAD-OaD at Month 6. There was a significant LSmean negative effect on IIEF- EF domain-score improvement for BPH (LSmean effect [95 % CI]: -2.77 [-4.98, -0.55], p = 0.014), previous PDE5-inhibitor treatment (-2.13 [-3.33,-0.94], p < 0.001), and mild vs moderate ED (-2.00 [-3.54,-0.46], p = 0.011); the latter possibly linked with a bigger treatment-effect in those with more severe ED at baseline. The LSmean effect on change in IIEF-EF was significantly positive for diabetes (2.28 [0.64,3.92], p = 0.007), most likely because those with diabetes had more severe ED at baseline. For all other parameters, no statistically significant LSmean effects in IIEF-EF changes were observed. No comorbidity or baseline-characteristic except age (18 - 65 years vs >65 years: 11.25 [2.96,19.54], p = 0.008) affected changes in EDITS.

CONCLUSIONS

Under routine clinical conditions, treatment continuation rate or satisfaction does not seem to be significantly affected by the presence of comorbidities in men who choose ED-treatment with TAD-OaD. The magnitude of treatment effectiveness was affected by certain baseline characteristics and comorbid conditions.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The study (H6D-EW-LVIU) is registered in the German VfA Registry of Non-Interventional Studies (Verband Forschender Arzneimittelhersteller) since 06 December 2011; available at: http://www.vfa.de/de/arzneimittel-forschung/datenbanken-zu-arzneimitteln/nisdb/nis-details/_741 .

Psychosocial perspectives on sexual recovery after prostate cancer treatment

Many therapies for erectile dysfunction (ED) after prostate cancer treatment improve erectile firmness, yet, most couples stop using aids within 1-2 years. Patients and partners who expect immediate and complete success with their first ED treatment can be demoralized when they experience treatment failure, which contributes to reticence to explore other ED aids. Comprehensive patient education should improve sustainability and satisfaction with ED treatments. Pre-emptive and realistic information should be provided to couples about the probability of recovering natural erections. Beginning intervention early and using a couple-based approach is ideal. Recommendations are provided about the timing of ED treatment, the order of aid introduction, and combination therapies. Renegotiation of sexual activity is an essential part of sexual adaptation. From the outset of therapy, couples should be encouraged to broaden their sexual repertoire, incorporate erection-independent sexual activities, and continue to be sexual despite ED and reduced libido.

Comparative efficacy of tadalafil once daily in men with erectile dysfunction who demonstrated previous partial responses to as-needed sildenafil, tadalafil, or vardenafil

OBJECTIVE

Phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitors (PDE5Is) are first-line therapies for erectile dysfunction (ED). Sildenafil (SIL) and vardenafil (VAR) are approved for as-needed (PRN) dosing; tadalafil (TAD) is approved for both PRN and once-a-day (OaD) dosing for ED. Recent evidence suggests that TAD-OaD may be effective as therapy in men with an incomplete response to PRN-PDE5I therapy. This study evaluated whether TAD-OaD provides similar efficacy in men with ED who had previously demonstrated a partial response to PRN-PDE5I therapy.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, men with a ≥3 month ED history received SIL 100 mg, TAD 20 mg, or VAR 20 mg during a 4 week open-label lead-in period. Those with International Index of Erectile Function - Erectile Function (IIEF-EF) domain scores <26 following lead-in treatment completed a 4 week washout period, then randomized to TAD 2.5 mg up-titrated to 5 mg, TAD 5 mg, or placebo (PBO) OaD for 12 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES obtained from patients treated with TAD-OaD were compared to PBO-treated patients. Additionally, results of treatment with TAD-OaD were compared to results obtained from 4 week PRN-PDE5I therapy to determine whether OaD and PRN regimens provided comparable efficacy.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT01130532.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) domain scores; Sexual Encounter Profile (SEP) questions 2-5.

RESULTS

Endpoint data was obtained from 590 men (391 TAD; 199 PBO). RESULTS for all IIEF and SEP measures were significantly better for TAD-OaD (p < 0.001 for all) compared to PBO and were comparable to those observed during PRN-PDE5I treatment. TAD 2.5 mg and TAD 5 mg OaD therapy were safe and generally well tolerated.

CONCLUSION

Tadalafil once daily is a viable alternative to as-needed PDE5I therapy in men with ED. Key limitations include the lack of a PRN PDE5I study group during the double-blind period, and that many more patients took tadalafil than sildenafil or vardenafil during the PRN period.

A comparison of the available phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors in the treatment of erectile dysfunction: a focus on avanafil

BACKGROUND

Numerous pathways can lead to erectile dysfunction (ED) in patients, with some patients having multiple causes. Regardless of the etiology, ED has been successfully treated in many patients with the advent of oral phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (PDE5Is). With the release of avanafil, there are currently four PDE5I options available, and choosing between them should be based on patient-specific considerations and preferences.

OBJECTIVE

To review the treatment of ED with PDE5Is, taking into account the effectiveness, safety, and patient satisfaction of these agents, as well as avanafil's place in therapy.

METHODS

A PubMed search was completed to find articles published in English studying patient satisfaction and adherence to ED medication. Additional searches looked specifically for any data regarding the use of avanafil.

RESULTS

ED is effectively treated in most patients with PDE5Is, with the most common side effects from the medications being headache, flushing, and visual disturbances. Patients have identified many different factors, such as efficacy, side effects, duration of action, and daily use, in determining overall satisfaction and the right medication for them. While avanafil does not have any patient satisfaction trials to date, it has been proven to be a safe and effective treatment for ED with possibly the fastest onset of action and fewer visual disturbances than its competitors.

CONCLUSION

Avanafil along with the other PDE5Is has shown to be a safe and effective oral treatment for ED, with avanafil's possible place in therapy for patients who want an on-demand option or as an alternative in patients who experience visual disturbances with the other agents.

Continuation and effectiveness of tadalafil once daily during a 6-month observational study in erectile dysfunction: the EDATE study

AIMS

This was the first observational study evaluating treatment continuation, effectiveness and tolerability of tadalafil 5 mg once daily (TAD-OaD) in patients who chose and paid for treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) in routine clinical practice.

METHODS

Men ≥ 18 years with ED, treated previously with phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5)-inhibitor on-demand (PRN) or treatment-naïve, were enrolled at 59 sites. For patients prescribed TAD-OaD at baseline (T1), change in erectile function (IIEF-EF and GAQ) was documented after 1-3 (T2) and 4-6 (T3) months. The primary outcome was the probability to switch/discontinue from TAD-OaD, estimated by Kaplan-Meier (KM) product-limit method. Changes in IIEF-EF were evaluated using a mixed model for repeated measures adjusting for patient baseline characteristics.

RESULTS

Of 975 men enrolled (median age 56.8 years, 33.7% with previous PDE5-inhibitor use), 778 were prescribed TAD-OaD, 135 TAD-PRN and 62 sildenafil or vardenafil PRN. During the 6-month longitudinal observation, 107 patients (13.8% of 778) switched or discontinued TAD-OaD-treatment. KM-rates (95%CI) for continuing TAD-OaD at 2, 4 and 6 months were 94.0% (92.3, 95.7), 88.3% (85.9, 90.6) and 86.3% (83.7, 88.9), respectively. The 25th percentile of time to switch/discontinuation of TAD-OaD was estimated as 31.1 weeks (lower 95%CI 30.3 weeks). At T3, IIEF-EF scores had increased by 7.1 (LSmean; 95%CI 5.8, 8.5) points; 91.3% of patients reported improved erections. The most frequently reported AE was headache (10 patients; 1.3%); no new/unexpected safety signals were observed.

CONCLUSION

Under routine conditions, and when patients were involved in treatment decision-making, more than 86% of men starting/switching to tadalafil once daily (OaD) at baseline continued tadalafil OaD treatment for ≥ 6 months.

Psychosocial outcomes after initial treatment of erectile dysfunction with tadalafil once daily, tadalafil on demand or sildenafil citrate on demand: results from a randomized, open-label study

Initiation of ED treatment with a particular PDE5I may influence treatment-adherence and other outcomes. In this multicenter, open-label study, men with ED, naïve to PDE5I, were randomized to tadalafil 5 mg once-a-day (OaD; N=257), 10 mg on demand (PRN; N = 252) or sildenafil-citrate (sildenafil) 50 mg PRN (N = 261) for 8 weeks (dose adjustments allowed), followed by 16 weeks of pragmatic treatment (switching between PDE5I allowed). Primary outcomes (treatment-adherence) were reported previously. Here, we report effects on: Psychological and Interpersonal Relationship Scales, Self-Esteem and Relationship (SEAR) questionnaire, ED Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction (EDITS), International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), Sexual Encounter Profile (SEP) and Global Assessment Questions (GAQ). Mixed-model for repeated measures and analysis of covariance were used to analyze changes from baseline; GAQ-responses were evaluated by logistic regression. Analyses were adjusted for treatment, country, ED-severity, baseline and baseline-by-treatment interaction. Patients randomized to tadalafil OaD or PRN reported greater improvement (least-square mean (s.e.) change) in Sexual Self-Confidence (OaD +0.90 (0.048), PRN +0.93 (0.050), vs +0.73 (0.049); P=0.006 and P=0.001) and Spontaneity (OaD +0.11 (0.035), PRN +0.13 (0.035), vs +0.02 (0.035); P = 0.044 and P = 0.010) compared with sildenafil. Improvements in GAQ and SEP responses, IIEF-EF, orgasmic function, sexual desire, overall satisfaction domains, SEAR and EDITS scores did not differ significantly between treatment groups.

Increasing cGMP-dependent protein kinase activity attenuates unilateral ureteral obstruction-induced renal fibrosis

Our previous studies support the protective effect of cGMP and cGMP-dependent protein kinase I (PKG-I) pathway on the development of renal fibrosis. Therefore, in the present studies, we determined whether pharmacologically or genetically increased PKG activity attenuates renal fibrosis in a unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) model and also examined the mechanisms involved. To increase PKG activity, we used the phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor sildenafil and PKG transgenic mice. UUO model was induced in wild-type or PKG-I transgenic mice by ligating the left lateral ureteral and the renal fibrosis was observed after 14 days of ligation. Sildenafil was administered into wild-type UUO mice for 14 days. In vitro, macrophage and proximal tubular cell function was also analyzed. We found that sildenafil treatment or PKG transgenic mice had significantly reduced UUO-induced renal fibrosis, which was associated with reduced TGF-β signaling and reduced macrophage infiltration into kidney interstitial. In vitro data further demonstrated that both macrophages and proximal tubular cells were important sources of UUO-induced renal TGF-β levels. The interaction between macrophages and tubular cells contributes to TGF-β-induced renal fibrosis. Taken together, these data suggest that increasing PKG activity ameliorates renal fibrosis in part through regulation of macrophage and tubular cell function, leading to reduced TGF-β-induced fibrosis.

A return to normal erectile function with tadalafil once daily after an incomplete response to as-needed PDE5 inhibitor therapy

INTRODUCTION

An optimal outcome of an erectile dysfunction (ED) treatment is to enable a return to normal erectile function (as defined by an International Index of Erectile Function-Erectile Function [IIEF-EF] domain score ≥ 26). As-needed (PRN) phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor treatment does not always result in a return-to-normal erectile function.

AIM

The combined studies evaluated whether treatment with tadalafil once daily would allow men to return to normal erectile function who had less than normal IIEF-EF domain scores while using a maximum dose of a PRN PDE5 inhibitor treatment.

METHODS

Men were ≥ 18 years of age, sexually active, reported a ≥ 3-month history of ED, and had been taking the maximum dose of sildenafil citrate, vardenafil, or tadalafil PRN. Randomization to once-daily therapy with tadalafil 2.5 mg to 5 mg (N = 207), tadalafil 5 mg (N = 207), or placebo (N = 209) for 12 weeks followed a 4-week maximum dose PRN PDE5 treatment and 4-week nondrug lead periods. Two identical double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled studies were conducted; combined results are reported.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

The main outcome measure was the percentage of subjects with a return-to-normal erectile function (IIEF-EF domain score ≥ 26) when treated with tadalafil once daily compared with placebo.

RESULTS

In subjects not achieving normal erectile function with the maximum dose of a PRN PDE5 inhibitor, a higher percentage of subjects treated with tadalafil had an IIEF-EF domain score ≥ 26 at end point (tadalafil 2.5- to 5-mg group [39%]; tadalafil 5-mg group [40%]) compared with the placebo group (12.1%; P < 0.001). Tadalafil was generally well tolerated and adverse events observed were consistent with previous reports of tadalafil once daily.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with tadalafil once daily significantly improved erectile function in men with mild to mild-moderate impairments in erectile function following PRN PDE5 inhibitor treatment.