In a nutshell
This study looked at the safety and effectiveness of Collagenase Clostridium Histolyticum (CCH) in Peyronie's disease (PD). It concluded CCH can improve PD.
Some background
Peyronie’s disease is a curvature of the penis when it is erect. The curvature is caused by scar tissue, called a plaque, forming in the penis.
Collagenase Clostridium histolyticum (CCH) acts to breakdown the plaque with enzymes (a type of protein). Few studies have shown CCH being definitely effective and safe in treating PD.
Methods & findings
918 patients with PD were included in this study. These patients were receiving CCH injections. Injections were repeated every 6 weeks. Patients also took part in penile modelling. Patients were assessed for penile curvature and complications after CCH treatment.
Patients had a 30.1% change in penile curvature after CCH treatment. 73.5% of patients who had many cycles of CCH injections had a 20% or more improvement in penile curvature. 9% of patients had complications. These included: penile bruising, fracture, swelling and blood in urine. Age and the number of cycles of treatment predicted the success of CCH injections.
The bottom line
This study concluded that CCH injections are safe and effective in the treatment of PD.
The fine print
The authors note data was collected from different treatment centres. This may mean the treatment was not exactly the same for every patients. This may affect this study's results.
What’s next?
If you want to learn more about CCH injections for PD, talk to your doctor.
Published By :
Journal of Urology
Date :
Jan 18, 2019
