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There are currently several clinical trials under way for
treating erectile dysfunction (ED) caused by prostate
cancer.
Trial
1
In this
trial, the effectiveness of nerve-sparing prostatectomy (surgical
removal of the entire prostate while preserving the erection-controlling
nerves), with and without nerve grafting, followed by standard
therapy is being examined. Participants will be in one of
two groups: the first group will have nerve-sparing prostatectomy
with nerve grafting, then will use a standard therapy such
as Viagra, a vacuum constriction device, injection therapy,
or MUSE (suppository in urethra for erections) therapy. Participants
in the second group will have the nerve-sparing surgery without
nerve grafting, and will use the same standard therapy as
the first group. The objectives of the study are to compare
the two types of surgery for effectiveness and their effects
on potency rates and erection quality in men with prostate
cancer.
Trial
2 and 3
In the
second trial and third trials, researchers are examining the
effectiveness of erectile dysfunction treatment with Viagra
versus a placebo (sugar pill) for men with prostate cancer
who have undergone radiation therapy and total androgen suppression.
The studies are attempting to determine if there is a difference
in overall sexual function and satisfaction between Viagra
and placebo.
Reviewed
by the doctors at the Glickman Urological Institute at The
Cleveland Clinic.
Edited
by Charlotte Grayson, MD, WebMD, May 2004
Portions of this page © The Cleveland Clinic 2000-2004
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