In a nutshell
The authors aimed to determine the effect of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors on cancer recurrence in patients after prostate surgery.
Some background
Prostate surgery is a form of treatment that involves surgically removing the prostate gland in patients with prostate cancer. Some patients may experience erectile dysfunction after surgery. Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5 inhibitors) are drugs that treat erectile dysfunction and are taken prior to sexual activity, and include Viagra, Cialis and Levitra.
Methods & findings
The aim of this study was to determine the effect of PDE5 inhibitors on cancer recurrence in patients following surgery.
2,579 patients were used in this study with a follow-up time of 40 months. 674 patients received PDE5 treatment. There were no differences in 5-year biochemical-free survival (patients who did not experience an increase in prostate specific antigen levels following treatment) (PSA – protein elevated in the blood indicating the presence of prostate cancer) rates between patients who received PDE5 and patients who did not.
Biochemical recurrence (patients who experienced PSA increase after treatment) was 91.1% in patients who did not receive PDE5 compared to 92.9% in patients who had taken 1-21 PDE5 pills, 95.6% in patients who had taken 22-45 PDE5 pills and 88% who had taken more than 45 PDE5 pills.
The bottom line
The authors conclude that PDE5 does not effect cancer recurrence in patients following prostate surgery.
The fine print
Further studies are required to validate the results presented.
Published By :
European Urology
Date :
Feb 17, 2015
