The management of Peyronie's disease (PD) is a challenge for the clinician. Despite the lack of etiologic therapy, different nonsurgical approaches have often been empirically proposed. The most used treatment is based on nutraceutical drugs with antioxidant activity, although such an intervention remains controversial.
We reviewed the evidence from the randomized controlled trials included in the recommendations of the American Urological Association (AUA), Canadian Urological Association (CUA), European Association of Urology, and International Society for Sexual Medicine.
We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library for randomized controlled trials, reviews, and guidelines on nutraceutical interventions for PD.
Our analysis provides detailed information on potential interventions, underlying the inconsistent evidence. Acetyl esters of carnitine, although not recommended by any of the available guidelines, showed potential benefit in some selected studies. Omega-3 fatty acids are not recommended due to withdrawn study evidence. The CUA and AUA were the only societies to consider the use of coenzyme Q10. While the CUA suggested that it might be offered as a treatment option, the AUA refrained from taking a definitive stance due to insufficient evidence. Similarly, conflicting recommendations have been produced on potassium para-aminobenzoate. While the CUA considers potassium para-aminobenzoate potentially useful in slowing PD progression, the AUA deems the evidence insufficient. Conversely, both the International Society for Sexual Medicine and European Association of Urology do not recommend its use.
This critical comparative analysis of the most recent guidelines produced by the leading scientific societies highlights some inconsistencies in the recommendations on nutraceutical intervention for PD, even within a background of overall ineffectiveness of this treatment approach.
Sexual medicine reviews. 2024 May 28 [Epub ahead of print]
Daniele Tienforti, Malvina Hoxha, Alfonso Boris Di Pasquale, Vinicio Rizza, Arcangelo Barbonetti
Andrology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 Coppito, L'Aquila, Italy., Department for Chemical-Toxicological and Pharmacological Evaluation of Drugs, Faculty of Pharmacy, Catholic University Our Lady of Good Counsel, 1000 Tirana, Albania., Urology Unit, Department of Urology, S. Salvatore Hospital, 67100 Coppito, L'Aquila, Italy., General Surgery Unit, Surgical Department, S.S. Maria Dello Splendore Hospital, 64021 Giulianova (TE), Italy.