Superficial radiation therapy in peyronie’s disease: An effective and well-tolerated therapy

• Published in: Advances in radiation oncology 2018-10, Vol.3 (4), p.548-551
• Main Authors: Pietsch, Gunilla, MD, Anzeneder, Tobias, MD, Bruckbauer, Harald, MD, Zirbs, Michael, MD, Gutermuth, Jan, MD, Hofmann, Heidelore, MD, Brockow, Knut, MD, Biedermann, Tilo, MD, Ring, Johannes, MD, Eberlein, Bernadette, MD
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Benign Disease; Hematology, Oncology, and Palliative Medicine
• ISSN: 2452-1094; 2452-1094
• DOI: 10.1016/j.adro.2018.07.009

Abstract Purpose This study aimed to assess the safety, efficacy, and patient satisfaction of superficial radiation therapy in the treatment of Peyronie's disease (PD) in a retrospective analysis. Methods and materials We performed a retrospective analysis of 83 patients who underwent radiation therapy between 1999 and 2008 with 8 fractions of 4 Gy over a period of 6 months. With a mean follow-up time of 52 months, patients responded to a comprehensive questionnaire that covered patient characteristics, disease duration before radiation therapy, course of disease, treatment response, side effects, and patient satisfaction. Results After a mean follow-up time of 52 months, 78% of the treated patients reported that PD progression had stopped. Furthermore 47% of patients had a symptom regression. Only 7% of patients reported PD progression. The penile curvature was improved in 49% of patients, and plaque induration could be reduced in 42% of patients. Moreover, 71% of patients reported substantial pain relief, as measured by a visual analogue scale (1 = not satisfied; 10 = very satisfied). Treatment satisfaction was rated with a median of 8 in a visual analogue scale out of 10. Side effects included transient erythema in 38.6% of patients and 9.6% reported of transient or chronic dryness. No severe side effects were observed. Conclusions Radiation therapy for PD in the disease's early stages proved to be a safe and well-tolerated method with good results in pain relief, especially in patients aged