Background

Intralesional collagenase such as Xiaflex (ILX) has become a standard treatment for Peyronie's disease (PD). Many robust studies have demonstrated its clear efficacy in the treatment algorithm.

Aim

To examine predictors of the patient decision to pursue ILX in PD patients.

Methods

The study included PD patients (i) with stable disease (ii) who had doppler duplex ultrasonography (DUS) at least 6 months prior to analysis date and (iii) did not choose an operation. All patients received a standard discussion regarding treatment options, specifically, observation, ILX and penile reconstructive surgery (plication, plaque incision and grafting, implant surgery). Patients who opted to use ILX were compared to those who opted against it. Comorbidity, demographic and PD characteristics were recorded at the initial PD visit. All patients completed three validated questionnaires including the PD questionnaire (PDQ), Self-Esteem and Relationship (SEAR) questionnaire and a depression questionnaire (CES-D). Logistic regression was used to determine predictors of ILX use.

Outcomes

Predictors of ILX utilization.

Results

Four hundred and fifty stable PD men had DUS completed 6 months before to allow sufficient time for treatment decision. Of these, 111 (24.7%) patients had ILX treatment and 339 (75.3%) did not. Mean age, relationship status and pain occurrence were similar between groups, but ILX patients had less bother defined as PDQ ≥ 9 (46.8% vs 53.7%, P = .02). ILX patients had more complex curves (79.3% vs 47.8%, P < .01) and more severe instability (32.4% vs 15.3%, P = .01). ILX patients also had higher PDQ domain scores (Psychological 11.5 ± 6.4 vs 7.5 ± 6.2, P < .01; Pain 6.2 ± 6.0 vs 4.3 ± 5.6, P = .02; and Bother 9.8 ± 4.7 vs 6.6 ± 4.8, P < .01). On univariable statistics, significant bother (OR 2.41, 95% CI 1.36–4.28, P<0.01), complex curvature (OR 4.18, 95%CI 2.52–6.93, P < .01), moderate and/or severe instability (OR 1.98, 95%CI 1.18–3.30, P < .01) and PDQ-Bother scores (OR 1.15, 95%CI 1.08–1.22 P < .01) predicted ILX use. On multivariable analysis, instability (OR 2.58, 95%CI 1.02–6.57, P = .05) and significant bother (OR 1.23, 95%CI 1.04–1.45, P = .01) predicted ILX use.

Clinical Implications

Educates providers as to which patients are more likely to choose ILX.

Strengths & Limitations

Our study has a large sample size and all patients received the same standardized treatment discussion. Our study is limited by the absence of insurance data on all patients, and its retrospective single center design.

Conclusion

ILX was chosen by the minority of stable PD patients. While moderate to severe instability and significant bother is predictive of ILX use, other demographic factors including relationship status, sexual orientation or pain were not.

Punjani N, Nascimento B, Salter C, et al. Predictors of Pursuing Intralesional Xiaflex in Peyronie's Disease Patients. J Sex Med 2021;XX:XXX–XXX.