Penile rehabilitation following prostate cancer treatment: review of current literature.

Abstract

Radical prostatectomy (RP) and radiotherapy (RT) are highly effective in improving prostate cancer survival. However, both have a detrimental effect on erectile function (EF). Penile rehabilitation consists of understanding the mechanisms that cause erectile dysfunction (ED) and utilizing pharmacologic agents, devices or interventions to promote male sexual function. For the past decade, many researchers have pursued to define effective treatment modalities to improve ED after prostate cancer treatment. Despite the understanding of the mechanisms and well-established rationale for postprostate treatment penile rehabilitation, there is still no consensus regarding effective rehabilitation programs. This article reviews a contemporary series of trials that assess penile rehabilitation and explore treatment modalities that might play a role in the future. Published data and trials related to penile rehabilitation after RP and RT were reviewed and presented. Although recent trials have shown that most therapies are well-tolerated and aid in some degree on EF recovery, we currently do not have tangible evidence to recommend an irrefutable penile rehabilitation algorithm. However, advancements in research and technology will ultimately create and refine management options for penile rehabilitation.

• Authors: Jonathan Clavell-Hernandez, Run Wang
• Journal: Asian journal of andrology (Asian J Androl) 2015 Nov-Dec Vol. 17 Issue 6 Pg. 916-22; discussion 921 ISSN: 1745-7262 [Electronic] China
• PMID: 25851656 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists
• Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors
• Suppositories
• Vasodilator Agents
• Papaverine
• Alprostadil
• Phentolamine

Topics

• Adenocarcinoma (rehabilitation, therapy)
• Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists (therapeutic use)
• Alprostadil (therapeutic use)
• Equipment and Supplies
• Erectile Dysfunction (rehabilitation)
• Humans
• Injections
• Male
• Papaverine (therapeutic use)
• Phentolamine (therapeutic use)
• Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors (therapeutic use)
• Prostatectomy
• Prostatic Neoplasms (rehabilitation, therapy)
• Radiotherapy
• Suppositories
• Ultrasonic Therapy
• Vasodilator Agents (therapeutic use)
• Vibration (therapeutic use)