Erectile Dysfunction – Andrology

Pilot Study on Liposomal Recombinant Human Superoxide Dismutase for the Treatment of Peyronie’s Disease
Claus R. Riedl^a, Eugen Plas^a, Karola Vorauer^b, Brigitta Vcelar^b, Andreas Wagner^b, Heinz Pflüger<sup>a

a</sup>Department of Urology and Ludwig Boltzmann Institute of Andrology, Municipal Hospital Lainz, and
^bInstitute of Applied Microbiology, University of Agricultural Science, Vienna, Austria

Address of Corresponding Author

Eur Urol 2001;40:343-349 (DOI: 10.1159/000049797)

  Key Words

• Peyronie’s disease
• Superoxide dismutase
• Liposomes

  Abstract

Objective: To assess the efficacy and safety of liposomally encapsulated recombinant human superoxide dismutase (lrhSOD) for the treatment of Peyronie’s disease.

Methods: In an uncontrolled phase–2 study, 20 patients with Peyronie’s disease were treated with a gel containing lrhSOD (1.5 mg/g). Patients with penile deviation of >45° or plaque calcifications of >5 mm were regarded as candidates for surgical correction and excluded from this study.

Results: Elimination of pain was observed in 7/13 patients (in 2 patients after only 3 days of therapy), and an almost complete resolution of pain was reported by the remaining 6/13 patients. Plaque size was reduced in 8/14 patients. Minimal improvement of penile deviation was observed in 3/12 patients. Post–therapeutic improvement of sexual function, mainly due to cessation of pain, was reported by 12/15 patients. No systemic or local side effects were observed.

Conclusion: In the present study, 100% pain relief as well as a plaque size reduction in 56% of Peyronie’s disease patients were observed after a maximum of 6 weeks of lrhSOD therapy. The convenience and safety of lrhSOD gel therapy were superior compared to other current regimens. The present results suggest that lrhSOD gel is a promising treatment for patients with early stage Peyronie’s disease. Early institution of lrhSOD therapy may prevent disease progression to penile deviation. The present preliminary results are the basis of a placebo–controlled randomized study.

  Author Contacts

Claus R. Riedl, MD
Department of Urology, KH Lainz
Wolkersbergenstrasse 1, A–1130 Vienna (Austria)
Tel. +43 1 80110 2279, Fax +43 1 80110 2689
E–Mail ric@uro.khl.magwien.gv. at/riedlc@compuserve.com

  Article Information

Accepted after revision: September 29, 2000
Number of Print Pages : 7
Number of Figures : 0, Number of Tables : 4, Number of References : 27