TREATMENT OF PEYRONIES-DISEASE WITH LOCAL INTERFERON-ALPHA-2B

Peyronie's disease is an ill defined condition that often leads to sev ere penile deformity. Various conservative treatments have failed to h ave any impact, and surgery remains the mainstay of therapy in advance d cases. Recent reports of successful treatment of related diseases, n otably keloid formation, with interferons (INF) have prompted us to us e this biologic response modifier to alter the behavior of the myofibr oblast, the cell most likely responsible for the development of Peyron ie's disease. From December 1992 to July 1994, 25 patients suffering f rom Peyronie's disease were treated with five local injections of 1 mi llion units of INF-alpha 2b each into a single designated and ultrason ographically measured plaque. The interval between the injections was 1 week. The patients were assessed clinically and ultrasonographically 1 and 6 months after the last injection. The condition improved clini cally in only 1 case, but progressed in none. The measured plaque size decreased in 7 no or mildly calcified cases, remained stable in 12 ca ses, and increased in 6 patients, (solely calcified plaques). Side eff ects (myalgia, fever) occured in 4 patients; of these 2 patients withd rew from treatment. INF-alpha 2b given according to our regimen is at best usefull for the treatment of Peyronie's disease in the early, non calcified stage during which it displays verifiable impact on the plaq ue treated and also helps alleviate the plaque-associated pain; but fu rther dose-finding studies will have to be performed to identify clini cally relevant treatment regimens.