PURPOSE: To report early findings from a prospective United States clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of prostatic artery embolization (PAE) for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2012 to March 2013, 72 patients were screened and 20 patients underwent treatment. Patients were evaluated at baseline and selected intervals (1, 3, and 6 mo) for the following efficacy variables: American Urological Association (AUA) symptom score, quality of life (QOL)-related symptoms, International Index of Erectile Function score, peak urine flow rate, and prostate volume (on magnetic resonance imaging at 6 mo). Complications were monitored and reported per Society of Interventional Radiology guidelines.
RESULTS: Embolization was technically successful in 18 of 20 patients (90%); bilateral PAE was successful in 18 of 19 (95%). Unsuccessful embolizations were secondary to atherosclerotic occlusion of prostatic arteries. Clinical success was seen in 95% of patients (19 of 20) at 1 month, with average AUA symptom score improvements of 10.8 points at 1 month (P < .0001), 12.1 points at 3 months (P = .0003), and 9.8 points at 6 months (P = .06). QOL improved at 1 month (1.9 points; P = .0002), 3 months (1.9 points; P = .003), and 6 months (2.6 points; P = .007). Sexual function improved by 34% at 1 month (P = .11), 5% at 3 months (P = .72), and 16% at 6 months (P = .19). Prostate volume at 6 months had decreased 18% (n = 5; P = .05). No minor or major complications were reported.
CONCLUSIONS: Early results from this clinical trial indicate that PAE offers a safe and efficacious treatment option for men with BPH.
Written by:
Bagla S, Martin CP, van Breda A, Sheridan MJ, Sterling KM, Papadouris D, Rholl KS, Smirniotopoulos JB, van Breda A. Are you the author?
Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology Department, Inova Alexandria Hospital, Alexandria; Grants Management Office, Inova Health System, Springfield; Inova Research Center, Inova Health System, Falls Church, Virginia; Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology Department, Inova Alexandria Hospital, Alexandria; Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC.
Reference: J Vasc Interv Radiol. 2014 Jan;25(1):47-52.
doi: 10.1016/j.jvir.2013.09.010
PubMed Abstract
PMID: 24176946
