What are the effects of a single injection of collagenase Clostridium histolyticum in acute phase Peyronie’s disease?

This study aimed to investigate the effects of a single injection of collagenase Clostridium histolyticum (CCH; Xiapex) in early-stage Peyronie's disease (PD). The results suggested that this treatment may improve the symptoms associated with the disease.

Peyronie's disease (PD) is a noncancerous condition resulting from fibrous scar tissue that develops on the penis. It causes curved, painful erections. Plaques of scar tissue usually form in the early stages of this disease. This stage is associated with pain and progressive curving in the penis and can last up to 2 years. The chronic stage is when symptoms have stabilized for at least 3 months. The main symptom of the chronic phase is the curve of the penis. 

There is no standard plan for the treatment of the early stages of PD. Collagenase Clostridium histolyticum (CCH) injections into the scar tissue plaque is a treatment approved for the treatment of chronic PD. This therapy works by breaking down the scar tissue. However, the effectiveness of CCH treatment in improving the curve of the penis and reducing pain in early PD remains under investigation.

This study included 74 males with acute phase PD. All patients received treatment with a single injection of CCH into the penis plaques. The main outcome measured was a change in the curve of the penis after treatment. Other outcomes measured were the impact of treatment on sexual function.

CCH treatment appeared to improve erectile function, penile pain, psychological symptoms, and penile curvature associated with PD at both 3 and 6 months after treatment. No serious side effects were reported following treatment and no participants had bruising at the injection area. Those with the greatest curvature before treatment had the most improvement after treatment.

This study found that single injection of CCH may be effective in treating patients with acute-phase PD.

This treatment is not approved for the treatment of acute-phase PD. This study had a small number of participants and a short follow-up period. It also did not use a control group to compared results. Further studies are needed.

If you have questions about the treatment of Peyronie’s disease, please consult your doctor.