Citations

Abstract Background The efficacy and safety of collagenase Clostridium histolyticum (CCH) have been demonstrated in the treatment of men with Peyronie’s disease (PD); however, the pivotal clinical trials excluded men with ventral penile curvature. Aim The study sought to evaluate outcomes of CCH treatment in men with ventral curvatures secondary to PD. Methods Men with PD treated with CCH were identified from a prospective database. Patients received up to 4 series of CCH injections using a progressively modified protocol over time. Results were compared between those with baseline ventral vs nonventral penile curvatures. Outcomes Changes in penile curvature, Peyronie’s Disease Questionnaire scores, International Index of Erectile Function scores, nonstandardized assessments, and adverse events. Results A total of 560 men with PD (85 ventral curvature, 475 nonventral curvature) were included in the analysis. Baseline median curvature was 60.0° (interquartile range, 48.8°-75.0°) in the ventral cohort and 65.0° (interquartile range, 45.0°-80.0°) in the nonventral cohort. Median change from baseline penile curvature was −25.0° in the ventral cohort vs −24.0° in the nonventral cohort (P = .08, between-group comparison), which corresponded to curvature reductions of 44.7% and 33.6%, respectively (P = .03). In the subset of patients who completed CCH treatment (ie, received 8 injections or discontinued early because of patient satisfaction with curvature reduction), median change from baseline was −35.0° in the ventral cohort vs −25.0° in the nonventral cohort (P < .05); median percent improvement was 48.3% and 37.5%, respectively (P = .11). Median change from baseline in Peyronie’s Disease Questionnaire and International Index of Erectile Function domain scores and adverse events were similar between cohorts, with the exception of possibly higher hematoma rates in the nonventral group (50% vs 37%; P = .05). No urethral injuries were sustained in either cohort. Clinical Implications Data support the use of CCH for the treatment of ventral as well as nonventral penile curvatures in men with PD. Strengths and Limitations Study strengths are the inclusion of a general clinical population of men with PD, the prospective design, and the relatively large series of men with ventral curvature. Limitations include the single-center and observational nature of the study. Conclusion CCH was safe and effective in the treatment of both ventral and nonventral penile curvatures in men with PD.

Abstract Introduction Age is often correlated with various medical conditions, including bother with the condition itself. Peyronie’s disease (PD) is a condition which is most often associated with men in their 50-60’s, however, it does affect younger men as well. Anecdotally, younger men with PD appear to be more bothered by their condition compared to older men. We therefore sought to evaluate whether there is a difference among older vs younger men as to the degree of bother linked to PD. Objective To evaluate age as a potential predictor of bother associated with PD. Methods A prospective database has been maintained of men seeking treatment for PD. Beginning in Feb 2020, we began implementing men routinely completed standardized intake questionnaires relating to PD, including the Peyronie’s Disease Questionnaire (PDQ). The PDQ consists of 15 questions broken down into three key subdomains: psychological and physical, penile pain, and symptom bother. Men who had completed the PDQ questionnaire were evaluated to determine the correlation between various clinicopathologic variables and the PDQ-bother domain. Results A total of 645 men were seen for symptoms of PD and had PDQ questionnaire data available for review. Baseline demographics included a mean age was 51.8 years (SD 17.6), mean PD symptom duration 31.3 months (SD 65.3), estimated curve of 40.9 degrees (SD 26.8), and mean PDQ-Bother score 8.9 (SD 3.1 – Note: lower is better). Several clinicopathology variables were found to be associated with increased PDQ-bother scores, including age (younger = less bothered, parameter estimate -.0.03, p=0.03), the presence of indentation or hourglass (yes 9.4, no 8.4, p<0.05), pain (yes 9.3, no 8.5, p=0.16), PD preventing penetrative intercourse (yes 9.5, no 8.7, p=0.07), penile shortening (yes 9.3, no 8.7, p=0.10), subjective erectile dysfunction (yes 9.6, no 8.5, p<0.01), and subjective premature ejaculation (yes 9.8, no 8.4, p<0.01). Interestingly, several variables did not correlate, including the duration of relationship, frequency of intercourse, duration of symptoms, direction of curve, degree of curvature, partner pain with intercourse, or libido. Conclusions Several notable factors are associated with PD bother (as assessed by the PDQ-bother domain), and equally importantly, several factors are surprisingly not associated (e.g. curvature degree and direction). These factors provide useful information to the practicing clinician to help better identify men who may be at greater risk for bother associated with the condition. Disclosure No

Abstract Introduction Obstructive azoospermia accounts for up to 14% of patients presenting for fertility evaluation. Fine-needle vasography (FNV) is a diagnostic procedure that can be performed to identify an obstruction proximal to the ejaculatory duct. Compared to traditional vasography, FNV utilizes a less-invasive method to perform imaging of the vas deferens and distal ejaculatory structures. Herein we report our experience performing FNV in a series of patients with suspected complete or near-complete obstruction. Objective To report our experience using FNV to identify a site of obstruction and determine candidacy for reconstructive procedures in patients presenting with suspected obstructive azoospermia or cryptozoospermia. Methods We report a multi-Institutional case series of patients with suspected complete or partial obstructive azoospermia. Patients that were included had azoospermia or severe oligoasthenospermia, presence of palpable vasa, testicles ≥12 ml, and FSH <7.6 IU/L. All patients underwent testicular biopsy prior to or at the time of FNV to confirm spermatogenesis. Fine-needle vasography was performed using a 25F angiocatheter, with radio-opaque dye visualized under fluoroscopy. Descriptive statistics are reported as median and interquartile range (IQR). Results A total of 16 patients underwent vasography between 2014 and 2022 with three surgeons. Twelve patients presented with azoospermia, and four with severe oligoasthenospermia. Median age at vasography was 35.0 (IQR 17) years. Median pre-vasography semen parameters were sperm concentration 0 million/mL (IQR 0.3), sperm motility 0% (IQR 1), semen volume 2.5 mL (IQR 2.5), and semen pH 8.0 (0.7). Median total testosterone was 445 ng/dL (IQR 433), and FSH 4.5 IU/L (IQR 3.6). Half of patients had a history of inguinal hernia repair, unilateral in two and bilateral in six cases. History of genitourinary infection was present in six (35.3%) patients. A total of 7 (44%) men were found to have distal obstruction on FNV, while 8 (50%) were offered epididymovasal reconstruction. Of the seven patients diagnosed with obstruction/atresia of the vas deferens within the inguinal canal and/or pelvis, only two were related to prior inguinal hernia repair. Of the eight men with prior inguinal hernia repairs, two were confirmed to have an obstruction at the level of the inguinal canal. Of the six patients with a history of genitourinary infection, four had an obstruction at the level of the epididymis (with normal FNV), while two had atresia of the vas deferens in the pelvis. Conclusions Fine-needle vasography is an effective, minimally-invasive way to identify the site of complete or partial obstruction in patients presenting with suspected obstructive azoospermia or severe oligoasthenospermia. It additionally permits identification of men who are candidates for epididymovasostomy reconstruction and helps to differentiate between ejaculatory duct obstruction and other causes of blockage. Disclosure No

Abstract Introduction Since the FDA approval of Collagenase Clostridium Histolyticum (CCH), few studies have been able to identify variables which predict curve improvements, with baseline extent of curvature most highly correlated. In addition to extent of baseline curvature, our team has previously identified curve direction and plaque calcification as additional predictive variables. We therefore sought to create an integrated predictive model which incorporated several factors to better estimate anticipated outcomes. Objective To report outcomes of a novel scoring system designed to better predict outcomes of men undergoing CCH injections for Peyronie’s disease (PD). Methods A prospective database has been maintained of men undergoing CCH injections for PD. Data were reviewed to identify variables predictive of curve improvements in men with isolated curvature as well as among those with key characteristics, including indentations, hourglass deformities, penile tapering, and calcification. A predictive model was subsequently developed to improve correlations between disease factors and subsequent CCH outcomes. The final model (CLINiC Score) assigned points as follows: +1 point for every 10 degrees of curvature (C for Curvature), +5 points for penile narrowing >25% (IN for INdent), +3 points for narrowing 0-25%, -4 points for pure lateral curvatures (L for Lateral), and -2 points for plaque calcification (C for Calcification). Patients were assigned scores based on the CLINiC model, and results were correlated with final curve outcomes. Results A total of 476 PD men were included in the current analysis. Baseline variables for the cohort included a mean age of 55.6 yrs (SD 10.9), PD duration 31.9 months (SD 61.4), composite curvature 64.6 degrees (SD 23.9), 47% with indentations, 42% with hourglass deformity, and 17% with calcification. The mean CLINiC score for the cohort was 6.9 (SD 3.4). For the overall cohort, the use of the CLINiC score increased the correlation coefficient from 0.35 to 0.46 (r-squared 0.13 vs 0.21), with a predictive linear formula of 2.1 - 3.2 * CLINiC score. The difference was more pronounced among a subset cohort of men who had pure lateral curvatures, plaque calcification, or narrowing deformity. In comparing the CLINiC predictive model to baseline curve alone, the correlation coefficient increased to 0.54 (r-squared 0.29, p<0.0001) compared to 0.38 (r-squared 0.15, p<0.001). The linear equation to predict curve improvement outcomes using the CLINiC score was 2.2 - 3.5 * total CLINiC score. Conclusions Use of a novel scoring system (CLINiC) improves upon baseline curvature alone to predict post-CCH curve improvements, with the difference more pronounced among men with pure lateral curvatures, plaque calcification, and/or narrowing deformities. External validation is warranted. Disclosure No

Abstract Introduction Limited data currently exist on the role and efficacy of additional series of collagenase clostridium histolyticum (CCH) injections among Peyronie’s disease (PD) men who have previously failed a first series of injections. We have previously reported outcomes of men undergoing a more aggressive protocol for CCH injections. We therefore sought to evaluate results of men who had previously failed CCH injections to determine if they would respond to a repeat course using a more aggressive protocol. Objective To evaluate outcomes of a novel, aggressive protocol for CCH injections among men who had previously failed 6-8 CCH injections using a traditional approach. Methods A randomized, controlled trial (NCT05108558) is ongoing. All participants had previously failed to achieve ≥20% curvature improvement with 6-8 prior CCH injections. Men are randomized 3:1 to receive either CCH + traction (RestoreX) + sildenafil (treatment) up front or initial observation followed by treatment (controls). Outcomes are subsequently compared between treatment and control groups. Key measures include objective curve improvements, and standardized / non-standardized questionnaires, with assessments obtained at baseline, 6-weeks after completion of CCH (treatment arm), after the no treatment period (controls), and at 1 year. Results A total of 11/40 men have been randomized to date, with one having completed four series of CCH injections, three completing one series, and three completing two series. The average age of the cohort is 64.4 years, with a mean PD duration of 28.1 months. Mean baseline curvature was 82.9 degrees (composite curve). The average estimated improvement with prior CCH injections (before enrollment in the current study) was 10%. Preliminary outcomes of men who had completed one series and had a follow-up curve assessment available (n=3) demonstrated an absolute improvement of 28.3 degrees (42%). Of the one patient who completed four full series, the absolute curve improvement was 55 degrees (65%). The overall range of improvement among the four men was 20 to 55 degrees or 31 to 65%, with no patients failing to experience improvements thus far. Conclusions Preliminary data suggests that a repeat course of CCH using a previously described more aggressive administration protocol is effective at improving penile curvature in the majority of men. It is unclear if the improvements are due to the difference in administration protocol, or due to the repeat course of CCH alone. Given the very preliminary nature of the current results, additional data, including external validation, are warranted. Disclosure Yes, this is sponsored by industry/sponsor: Endo Pharmaceutical Clarification Industry funding only - investigator initiated and executed study

Abstract Introduction Since the FDA approval of Collagenase Clostridium Histolyticum (CCH) for the treatment of Peyronie’s Disease (PD), there has been significant debate as to its role and comparable efficacy in relation to surgical therapies. Specifically, investigators have compared relative utilization, costs, and outcomes with varying conclusions. Objective To compare various objective and subjective outcome measures between men undergoing CCH or surgery for PD. Methods A randomized, controlled trial (NCT04786106) is ongoing. Participants are randomized 1:1 to receive either CCH + traction (RestoreX) + sildenafil or penile surgery (plication and/or incision and grafting) + traction + sildenafil for PD. Objective, standardized (International Index of Erectile Function [IIEF] and Peyronie’s Disease Questionnaire [PDQ]), and non-standardized assessments are obtained at baseline, and post-treatment at 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, and 60 months. Key outcomes include differences in standardized questionnaires, penile curvature, penile length, subsequent interventions, and non-standardized questionnaire responses. Curvature is measured in two planes and summed to provide a composite curvature. Penile length is measured from pubic symphysis to corona. All therapies were stopped prior to the 3-month time point (i.e. traction and sildenafil). Results A total of 40 men have been randomized, with 3-month data available on 27 men (CCH=14, surgery=13) and 12-month data on 15 men (CCH=5, surgery=10). Mean age at enrollment was 54.9 years, PD duration 36.6 months (mo), composite curvature 72.3 degrees (deg), and penile length 12.7 cm. All baseline variables were statistically similar between cohorts. Regarding the primary outcome, post-treatment, CCH men reported higher overall satisfaction (3-months: 100% vs 88% surgery, p=0.16; 12-months 80% vs 70%, p=0.52). For secondary outcomes at 3 months, the median differences between CCH and surgery respectively were: IIEF-EFD (+3.5 vs +7, p=0.64), PDQ-physical (-10 vs -7, p=0.47, note: lower is better for PDQ scales), PDQ-pain (-2 vs -0.5, p=0.21), PDQ-bother (-4.5 vs -8.5, p=0.60), length change (+1.0 vs -0.5 cm, p<0.01), curvature absolute change (-26 vs -65 degrees, p=0.01), and curvature percentage improvement (46% vs 84%, p<0.01). More CCH men felt that treatment improved sexual function (86% vs 79%, p=0.45), erectile function (64% vs 56%, p=0.04), penile length (36% vs 6%, p<0.0001), and had less impact on sensation (14% less sensation vs 56%, p<0.01), while surgery men were more likely to report satisfaction with curvature (75% vs 64%, p=0.52). 100% of men in both groups would recommend treatment to a friend at 3 months, whereas 100% of CCH vs 70% of surgery men would recommend their therapy at 12 months. When asked which treatment they would pick if they could start again, at 3 months 100% of CCH men reported CCH and/or traction, while 79% of surgery men indicated surgery. Conclusions Preliminary data suggests that, when compared to surgery, CCH results in higher overall satisfaction (not statistically significant), decreased curve improvement, improved penile length, and fewer impacts on erectile function and sensation. Disclosure Yes, this is sponsored by industry/sponsor: Endo Pharmaceutical Clarification Industry funding only - investigator initiated and executed study

Objective To report open‐label phase data from a recent randomized controlled trial (RCT), after previous data from that study showed improved penile length and erectile function among post‐prostatectomy men treated with Restorex penile traction therapy (RxPTT). Materials and Methods An RCT (NCT05244486) was performed to evaluate RxPTT vs no treatment (Tx) for 5 months, which was followed by a 3‐month open‐label phase. Men were stratified based on as‐treated data: Group 1 = No Tx; Group 2 = No Tx → Tx; Group 3 = Tx → No Tx; Group 4 = Tx. Assessments included stretched penile length and standardized (International Index of Erectile Function [IIEF]) and non‐standardized questionnaires. Results A total of 82 men were enrolled (mean age 58.6 years) with 9‐month data available in 45 of the men. Baseline characteristics were similar among the cohorts. Comparing Group 1 and Group 4 (respectively), notable differences included: IIEF Erectile Function domain (IIEF‐EF) score (−8 vs −0.5; P = 0.16), penile length (−0.1 vs +1.7 cm; P < 0.01), intracavernosal injection use (86% vs 14%; P < 0.01), Sexual Encounter Profile (SEP) Question 2 (50% vs 100%; P < 0.01), SEP Question 3 (33% vs 100%; P < 0.01). Men who crossed over to Tx (Group 2) failed to achieve equivalent improvements in length (+0.5 cm) or sexual function (IIEF‐EF score −6) compared to men treated early (Groups 3 and 4). Those who crossed over to no treatment after initial treatment (Group 3) experienced preserved length (+1.8 cm), and erectile function (IIEF‐EF score +0) despite therapy discontinuation. Conclusions Use of RxPTT beginning 1 month post‐prostatectomy results in improved penile length and erectile function, with benefits maintained after discontinuing therapy. If confirmed, these results represent the first postoperative therapy shown in a RCT to improve erectile function post‐prostatectomy. External validation is warranted.

Abstract Lithium is regarded as the first-line treatment for bipolar disorder (BD), a severe and disabling mental disorder that affects about 1% of the population worldwide. Nevertheless, lithium is not consistently effective, with only 30% of patients showing a favorable response to treatment. To provide personalized treatment options for bipolar patients, it is essential to identify prediction biomarkers such as polygenic scores. In this study, we developed a polygenic score for lithium treatment response (Li+PGS) in patients with BD. To gain further insights into lithium's possible molecular mechanism of action, we performed a genome-wide gene-based analysis. Using polygenic score modeling, via methods incorporating Bayesian regression and continuous shrinkage priors, Li+PGS was developed in the International Consortium of Lithium Genetics cohort (ConLi+Gen: N=2,367) and replicated in the combined PsyCourse (N=89) and BipoLife (N=102) studies. The associations of Li+PGS and lithium treatment response — defined in a continuous ALDA scale and a categorical outcome (good response vs. poor response) were tested using regression models, each adjusted for the covariates: age, sex, and the first four genetic principal components. Statistical significance was determined at P<����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������