Inpharma 1407 - 4 Oct 2003

Botulinum toxin effective in BPHAn injection of botulinum toxin into the prostate

improves symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH), report Italian-based researchers.

In this double-blind study, 30 men with symptomaticBPH were randomised to receive a 2mL injection ofbotulinum toxin [’Botox’] or a saline solution into bothlobes of the prostate.

After 2 months, 13/15 patients treated with botulinumtoxin reported relief of symptoms compared with 3 inthe control group (p = 0.0007). American UrologicalAssociation (AUA) symptom score was reduced by 65%compared with baseline in botulinum toxin-treated men.Botulinum toxin recipients also had significantreductions in prostate volume (–68%; p < 0.0001) andpost-void volume (–83%; p < 0.0001). These variableswere not significantly altered in the control group. Nocomplications or side effects were reported during thefollow-up period (mean 19.6 months).

The researchers concluded that although injection ofbotulinum toxin is a promising approach for BPH,further investigation is required "before its general usecan be advocated".Maria G, et al. Relief by botulinum toxin of voiding dysfunction due to benignprostatic hyperplasia: results of a randomized, placebo-controlled study. Urology62: 259-265, No. 2, Aug 2003 800951378

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Inpharma 4 Oct 2003 No. 14071173-8324/10/1407-0001/$14.95 Adis © 2010 Springer International Publishing AG. All rights reserved