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Emerging Treatments for Erectile Dysfunction: a Review of Novel, Non-surgical Options

  • Men's Health (A Dabaja, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Urology Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

To review novel, non-surgical therapies for erectile dysfunction (ED).

Recent Findings

Recently, a landmark study identified the SIM1 locus, involved in the leptin-melanocortin pathway, as an independent risk factor for ED and a potential target for novel therapies. The recent literature otherwise has focused on low-intensity shock wave therapy (LiSWT), with several randomized trials and meta-analyses suggesting therapeutic efficacy.

Summary

There are few novel oral agents for ED. There is growing evidence suggesting efficacy of intracavernosal stem cells therapy and low-intensity shock wave therapy (LiSWT), although these therapies are still investigational. A better understanding of the pathophysiologic spectrum of ED will offer new opportunities for novel, non-surgical therapies for ED.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, 30 N 1900 E, Rm # 3B420, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA

    Darshan P. Patel, Alexander W. Pastuszak & James M. Hotaling

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  1. Darshan P. Patel
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Correspondence to James M. Hotaling.

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Conflict of Interest

Darshan P. Patel declares no potential conflicts of interest.

Alexander W. Pastuszak reports advisor, speaker, consultant, and research and fellowship support from Endo Pharmaceuticals; is an advisor for Boston Scientific and Antares Pharmaceuticals; and holds a leadership position with Woven Health.

James M. Hotaling reports a research and fellowship grant from Endo Pharmaceuticals and a fellowship grant from Boston Scientific; and holds leadership positions with Nanonc, SteamDx, and Andro360.

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Patel, D.P., Pastuszak, A.W. & Hotaling, J.M. Emerging Treatments for Erectile Dysfunction: a Review of Novel, Non-surgical Options. Curr Urol Rep 20, 44 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11934-019-0908-2

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