IS COLCHICINE EFFECTIVE IN PEYRONIES-DISEASE - A PILOT-STUDY

Objectives. The treatment of Peyronie's disease with oral or topical a gents has not been entirely satisfactory. In this pilot study, we hypo thesized that colchicine, known to induce collagenase activity and dec rease collagen synthesis, might be an ideal agent in the treatment of Peyronie's disease. Methods. Colchicine was administered orally for 3 to 5 months to a group of 24 previously untreated patients with Peyron ie's disease. Results. Peyronie's plaque decreased or disappeared in 1 2 of the 24 patients, 7 of 9 patients with painful erections reported significant relief, and penile curvature was improved in 7 of 19 cases . Erectile status, narrowing of the penis, and accompanying Dupuytren' s contracture did not change in any of the cases. Conclusions. Althoug h this pilot study shows some promising results of the use of colchici ne in the treatment of Peyronie's disease, the ultimate usefulness of this agent will be determined only by a prospective double-blind clini cal study.