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Low Intensity Shockwave Therapy for Erectile Dysfunction
Sponsor: University of Virginia
Summary
Low-intensity shockwave therapy (LiSWT) has been deemed "a safe and well-tolerated procedure but its efficacy for the treatment of ED is doubtful and deserves more investigation" by the European Society of Sexual Medicine. In a similar manner, the Sexual Medicine Society of North America and American Urological Association have put forth guideline statements recommending additional investigation of this treatment modality.2 The current clinical armamentarium only treats the symptoms of erectile dysfunction without improving upon the underlying pathophysiology. LiSWT has been used effectively in musculoskeletal disorders and cardiovascular applications. Animal studies have shown improvements in angiogenesis and stem cell recruitment in other systems (cardiac and musculoskeletal) using shockwave therapy. It has been used to treat erectile dysfunction since 2010 and is widely used in Europe and throughout the world. It is gaining widespread acceptance in the United States with a relative paucity of data in regards to its effectiveness. While the majority of studies and meta-analyses show improvements in standardized erectile dysfunction questionnaires (IIEF/SHIM-Sexual Health Inventory in Men, International Index of Erectile Function-5) the durability remains unknown and many have lacked a sham-arm. In addition, many studies have failed to assess a population of men who have highly prevalent erectile dysfunction, those men undergoing prostate cancer treatment. This is a prospective, randomized, single blind, sham-controlled clinical study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of low-intensity shockwave therapy (LiSWT) on symptomatic ED patients in three distinct patient populations. LiSWT has shown the potential to improve baseline erectile function but requires further study, which is the aim of this investigation.
Key Details
Gender
MALE
Age Range
30 Years - 80 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
338
Start Date
2020-06-01
Completion Date
2025-01-09
Last Updated
2024-05-10
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Conditions
Interventions
Storz Duolith Low-Intensity Shockwave Therapy
A: Sham - the sham uses an attachment on the hand held probe that mimics the shockwave device, however it does not deliver any shockwaves. Sham will be delivered twice weekly for 3 weeks in the same manner as the LiSWT. The sham treatment will take about 20 minutes to complete. B: LiSWT delivered twice weekly for 3 weeks, comprising of 3000 shockwaves delivered to the distal penis (1000 shockwaves), base of penis (1000 shockwaves), and corporal bodies on the perineum (500 shockwaves to each crura). LiSWT is delivered into the penile tissue by a small hand held probe that produces low intensity shockwaves. A tranducer head is placed on the left and right sides of the penis. Treatment takes about 20 minutes to complete.
Locations (1)
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, Virginia, United States