Session: MP79: Sexual Function/Dysfunction: Medical, Hormonal & Non-surgical Therapy II
MP79-04: Stem-Cell, Shockwave, and Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy for the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction and Peyronie’s Disease: A Survey of Clinics Across the US
Introduction: With the significant increase in ED and PyD practices offering off-label restorative therapy, it is imperative to investigate if these practices are providing proper patient care, clear outcome expectations for patients, and necessary safety and side effect information to patients. Our objective was to identify clinics offering off-label therapies for erectile dysfunction (ED) and Peyronie’s disease (Pyd) including stem cell, platelet rich plasma, and shockwave therapy and to determine the transparency they provided to patients inquiring about these treatment modalities. Methods: Clinics were identified in different regions in the US using a systematic search on online website directories and were approached by asking a series of standardized questions regarding cost of treatment, duration of therapy, medical staff involved, and patient outcome data. A total of 26 clinics were surveyed for stem cell therapy, 26 for PRP treatment, and 27 for shockwave therapy. Results: Of the 79 clinics contacted, 93.7% provided some answers to the questions we asked, with a majority offering treatments for both ED and Pyd. Cost of treatment varied widely between clinics. The average cost per stem cell therapy injection was $5291, PRP per injection was $1336, and shockwave therapy per session was $413. Across all clinics surveyed, a physician was involved in only 67% of treatments. Over 75% of the clinics reported patient satisfaction following treatment. Durability of benefits to patients ranged from months to years according to the clinics’ reports. Conclusions: Our data not only demonstrates the widespread use of off-label therapies for ED and PyD across the US, but also elucidates the claims and information that is being provided to patients regarding the providers involved, outcomes and safety of these treatments. This study highlights the need for more oversight and standardization in novel regenerative therapies for ED and PyD. SOURCE OF Funding: none
