Current drug therapy of patients with BPH-LUTS with the special emphasis on PDE5 inhibitors

INTRODUCTION

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the most common cause of lower urinary tract symptom (LUTS) development in men [1]. The intensity of the symptoms may vary from mild to severe, significantly affecting the quality of life. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is one of the most challenging issues in modern urology that significantly influences the quality of life in men worldwide. The objective of this literature review was to analyze the current drug therapies of patients with BPH-LUTS, with the special emphasis on PDE5 inhibitors.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The authors searched the literature for the period from 2000 until 2015 in MEDLINE and PubMed.

RESULTS

Twenty-three articles were selected based on their reliability. A detailed analysis of the selected papers was performed. Primary attention was given to articles describing the use of PDE5. Works describing the use of different groups of drugs in patients with BPH-LUTS were also selected.

CONCLUSIONS

The current literature analysis suggests that the introduction of PDE5 inhibitors in clinical practice for the treatment of patients with BPH-LUTS will allow for significant expansion of the therapeutic options for the treatment of this disease.

Tadalafil in the management of lower urinary tract symptoms: a review of the literature and current practices in Russia

INTRODUCTION

Strong epidemiologic evidence supports correlation between lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (LUTS/BPH) and erectile dysfunction (ED). The link has biologic plausibility given phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) expression in pelvic structures. PDE5 inhibitors target pathophysiologic processes implicated in LUTS/BPH.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This review highlights the efficacy and safety of the daily use of a PDE5 inhibitor tadalafil in LUTS/BPH, with a focus on LUTS/BPH medical management in Russia.

RESULTS

Alpha-blockers and phytotherapy are major components of the current LUTS/BPH therapy in Russia. Russian regulatory authorities granted approval for once-daily tadalafil for treatment of LUTS/BPH in January 2012. In a pivotal study, tadalafil 5 mg once-daily significantly improved International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) over 12 weeks vs. placebo (P = .004) regardless of baseline ED severity. IPSS improvement was maintained at 12 weeks. Integrated analysis of randomized studies showed that tadalafil 5 mg once-daily resulted in significant symptom improvements across a range of men with LUTS/BPH. Relief of LUTS due to tadalafil was independent of improvement in ED; improvements in IPSS and erectile function were only weakly correlated (r = -0.229). Another pooled analysis found similar improvement in LUTS/BPH between men with or without ED, with non-significant P values for treatment-by-ED-status interactions for total IPSS ( P = .73). Non-registration studies of tadalafil and alpha-blocker co-therapy in LUTS/BPH suggest an additive effect, but co-therapy is not recommended in current tadalafil prescribing instructions.

CONCLUSIONS

Tadalafil results in symptom improvements across a range of men with LUTS/BPH and represents a new treatment option for patients in Russia with LUTS/BPH.