In a nutshell
This study looked at the effectiveness of injection of Collagenase Clostridium histolyticum (Xiaflex) (CCh) to treat Peyronie's disease. This study concluded CCh was effective after injection, in the treatment of patients with more severe Peyronie's disease.
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). CCH has been shown to be safe and effective in other studies. However, no studies have been able to predict whether or not CCH therapy will be effective or not after injection.
Methods & findings
135 patients were followed for 1 year. Patients completed the Erectile Function questionnaire and the Peyronie’s disease Questionnaire. Patients were given three injections of 0.9mg CCH in 4 week intervals. Patients used modelling, stretching and vacuum pump therapy (suction to improve blood flow to the penis) between injections. Treatment success was defined as a decrease in penile curvature of ≥20°
Curvature was reduced by around 20°. The average curvature improvement was 44%. Treatment success occurred in approximately 57% of patients (77 patients). Analysis showed that beginning curvature, location of the plaque and plaque severity were predictors of disease improvement.
The bottom line
This study concluded that a high degree of penile curvature before treatment, long disease duration, and location of the plaque on the penis could be used to predict whether CCH would be a successful treatment for Peyronie’s disease.
The fine print
The authors note that the number of patients in the study was small. There was also no placebo control group. These factors may affect the study results.
What’s next?
If you are interested in Collagenase Clostridium histolyticum, contact your doctor.
Published By :
BJU international
Date :
May 23, 2018
