Platelet-rich plasma for the treatment of erectile dysfunction: a systematic review of preclinical and clinical studies

Abstract

Abstract Introduction There has been tremendous growth in regenerative medicine during the last decade. For erectile dysfunction (ED), after the inclusion of low-intensity shockwave therapy as a treatment modality for ED management by the European Association of Urology sexual health guidelines, intracavernosal injection of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has gained popularity between urologists and patients as a novel ED therapeutic modality with initial promising results. However, limited clinical data exist regarding efficacy and safety in patients with ED. Furthermore, despite numerous preclinical studies in other tissues and organs, the mechanism of action for restoring erectile function remains undetermined. Objectives This systematic review aims to present the current status of preclinical and clinical evidence regarding the use of PRP as treatment option for ED. Methods A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, Cochrane, and ScienceDirect databases, until February 2023 for studies exploring the effect of PRP on ED. Results We identified 517 articles, 23 of which were included in this review. These were 7 preclinical (of which 1 was a comparative trial and 6 were placebo-controlled randomized controlled trials) and 16 clinical studies (of which 1 was a comparative trial, 5 were randomized trials, and 2 were placebo-controlled randomized controlled trials). Preclinical data support the regenerative role of PRP in erectile tissue, in accordance with existing evidence in other tissues. Randomized clinical studies, as well as the first 2 available randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials, showed promising efficacy and a lack of any adverse events. Conclusion As PRP for ED is widely used worldwide, there is an urgent need for high-quality studies with long-term follow-up. Standardization of research protocols, especially on the quality of PRP preparation, is also needed.