J Am Osteopath Assoc. 2015 Oct 1;115(10):e8-e13. doi: 10.7556/jaoa.2015.124.

Effects of Stem Cell Treatment in Human Patients With Peyronie Disease.

Levy JA, Marchand M, Iorio L, Zribi G, Zahalsky MP.

Abstract

CONTEXT:

Peyronie disease (PD) is a connective tissue disorder involving the formation of fibrous plaques in the tunica albuginea. Abnormal plaques and scar tissue create a chronic state of inflammation, causing increased curvature of the penis as well as erectile dysfunction.

OBJECTIVE:

To determine the feasibility and effects of using placental matrix-derived mesenchymal stem cells (PM-MSCs) in the management of PD.

METHODS:

In a prospective study, patients with PD were injected with PM-MSCs, and followed up at 6-week, 3-month, and 6-month intervals to assess changes in plaque volume, penile curvature, and erectile function status (measured using peak systolic velocity, end-diastolic velocity, and the International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire).

RESULTS:

In the 5 patients enrolled in the study, statistically significant increases in peak systolic velocity occurred after PM-MSC injection (P<.01). Of a total of 10 plaques managed, 7 had disappeared completely at 3-month follow-up. Changes in end-diastolic velocity, stretched penile length, and penile girth were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION:

To our knowledge, this study is the first on the use of stem cells to manage PD in humans. The results suggest that PM-MSCs may be beneficial and effective as a nonsurgical treatment in patients with PD. Future studies with long-term follow-up in a larger sample of patients are warranted.