Effectiveness and Safety of Prostatic Artery Embolization for the Treatment of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms from Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Men with Concurrent Localized Prostate Cancer

PurposeTo assess the effectiveness and safety of prostatic artery embolization (PAE) on lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in the setting of localized prostate cancer (PCa).Materials and MethodsThis was a retrospective, single-center, institutional review board-approved study from December 2016 to June 2020 of 21 patients (median age, 72; range, 63–83 years) with moderate LUTS and localized PCa. Clinical effectiveness was evaluated at 6 and 12 weeks using International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and quality of life (QoL) improvement. Seventeen patients were scheduled to receive definitive radiotherapy (RT) after PAE; 13 patients completed RT. Short-term imaging signs of oncologic progression were evaluated at 6 and 12 weeks defined by at least one of the following on magnetic resonance imaging: increased Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System score of index lesion(s) to at least 4, new extracapsular extension, seminal vesicle involvement, or pelvic lymphadenopathy. Nonparametric Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used for analysis.ResultsIPSS improved by a median of 12 (n = 19, P < .0001) and 14 (n = 14, P < .0001) at 6 and 12 weeks, respectively. QoL improved by a median of 2 (n = 19, P < .0001) and 3 (n = 3, P < .0001) at 6 and 12 weeks. Prostate volume decreased by a median of 24% (n = 19, P < .0001) and 36% (n = 12, P = .015) at 6 and 12 weeks. No patients demonstrated disease progression at 6 (n = 16) or 12 (n = 8) weeks by imaging. No patients experienced increased prostate-specific antigen after RT, grade ≥3 adverse events, or greater genitourinary toxicity.ConclusionsPAE is effective and safe for the treatment of men with LUTS from benign prostatic hyperplasia in the setting of concomitant, localized, non-obstructive PCa.     

Yttrium-90 Radioembolization to the Prostate Gland: Proof of Concept in a Canine Model and Clinical Translation

PurposeTo investigate the feasibility, safety, and absorbed-dose distribution of prostatic artery radioembolization (RE) in a canine model.Materials and MethodsFourteen male castrated beagles received dihydroandrosterone/estradiol to induce prostatic hyperplasia for the duration of the study. Each dog underwent fluoroscopic prostatic artery catheterization. Yttrium-90 (⁹⁰Y) microspheres (TheraSphere; Boston Scientific, Marlborough, Massachusetts) were delivered to 1 prostatic hemigland (dose escalation from 60 to 200 Gy), with the contralateral side serving as a control. Assessments for adverse events were performed throughout the follow-up (Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v5.0). Positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance (MR) imaging provided a confirmation after the delivery of absorbed-dose distribution. MR imaging was performed before and 3, 20, and 40 days after RE. Tissue harvest of the prostate, rectum, bladder, urethra, penis, and neurovascular bundles was performed 60 days after RE.ResultsAll the animals successfully underwent RE. Positron emission tomography/MR imaging demonstrated localization to and good coverage of only the treated hemigland. No adverse events occurred. The MR imaging showed a significant dose-dependent decrease in the treated hemigland size at 40 days (25%–60%, P < .001). No extraprostatic radiographic changes were observed. Necropsy demonstrated no gross rectal, urethral, penile, or bladder changes. Histology revealed RE-induced changes in the treated prostatic tissues of the highest dose group, with gland atrophy and focal necrosis. No extraprostatic RE-related histologic findings were observed.ConclusionsProstate ⁹⁰Y RE is safe and feasible in a canine model and leads to focal dose-dependent changes in the gland without inducing unwanted extraprostatic effects. These results suggest that an investigation of nonoperative prostate cancer is warranted.     

Angiographic Findings Relevant to Prostatic Artery Embolization in Patients with Prostate Cancer

The 2014–2018 angiograms of 58 patients with prostate cancer were retrospectively analyzed to illustrate angiographic findings during prostatic artery embolization. Arteriovenous fistulae were observed in 6 patients (6/58, 10.3%), with no difference between patients with or without prior iodine-125 seeds implantation (5/48, 10.4% vs 1/10, 10.0%; P > .05); tumor staining was not detected. The origins of the prostatic arteries included the internal pudendal artery (n = 45, 32.4%), the superior vesical artery (n = 38, 27.3%), the obturator artery (n = 28, 20.1%), the gluteal-pudendal trunk (n = 21, 15.1%), the inferior gluteal artery (n = 3, 2.2%), the accessory pudendal artery (n = 3, 2.2%), and the superior gluteal artery (n = 1, 0.7%).     

Improving Cone-Beam CT Angiography for Prostatic Artery Embolization: Is a Low-Dose Protocol Equivalent to the Standard?

PurposeTo compare the utility of low-dose versus standard cone-beam computed tomography (CT) angiography protocols in identifying nontarget embolization (NTE) during prostatic artery embolization (PAE).Materials and MethodsA prospective, single-center, Phase-1 study (NCT02592473) was conducted for lower urinary tract symptoms in benign prostatic hyperplasia. Prostate volume, international prostate symptom score (IPSS), quality of life score (QoL), International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), peak flow rate, UCLA Prostate Cancer Index (UCLA-PCI), and postvoid residual were recorded at baseline and 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24-months after PAE. Six-second (standard protocol, n = 29) or 5-second (low-dose protocol n = 45) rotations were made. Images were selected and matched in pairs by areas of NTE and compared by readers using a binomial generalized estimating equation model. Procedural outcomes were analyzed using a linear mixed model.ResultsSeventy-four cone-beam CT angiographies were performed in 21 patients. IPSS and QoL scores significantly improved (P <.05). There was no change in UCLA-PCI or IIEF scores. Dose area product of the low- and standard-dose protocol were 37,340.82 mGy·cm² ± 104.66 and 62,645.66 mGy·cm² ± 12,711.48, respectively, representing a dose reduction of 40.4%. A total of 120 comparisons showed no preference between the 2 protocols (P =.24). Observers identified 76 and 69 instances of NTE in the standard- and low-dose protocols, respectively (P =.125).ConclusionsLow-dose cone-beam CT angiography achieved equivalent clinical utility in identifying NTE during PAE, with the advantage of a lower radiation dose.     

Angiographic Findings during Repeat Prostatic Artery Embolization

PurposeTo describe mechanisms of prostate revascularization based on imaging findings during repeat prostatic artery embolization (PAE; rPAE).Materials and MethodsThis is a retrospective analysis of 10 rPAEs performed between October 2012 and September 2018 in patients with recurrent lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) after PAE (mean age, 68.2 y ± 4.5). Two interventional radiologists reviewed PAE and rPAE images and defined 6 patterns of revascularization. Correlation between embolization of the posterolateral (PL) prostatic branch during previous PAE and prostate revascularization on rPAE was assessed by Fisher exact test. One hemiprostate was excluded because no detectable revascularization was observed.ResultsAll patients showed LUTS improvement after previous PAEs (P < .01 for 5 outcome measures) and had recurrence during follow-up. rPAEs were performed a mean of 40.9 months after previous PAEs (18–96 mo). Of 19 hemiprostates analyzed, 11 presented revascularization by 2 or more branches (57.9%). The PL branch (29.0%) and the recanalized main prostatic artery (25.8%) were the most frequent revascularizing branches observed, followed by distal branches of obturator (12.9%), internal pudendal (12.9%), superior vesical (12.9%), and contralateral arteries (6.5%). Embolization of the PL branch during previous PAE significantly reduced the incidence of revascularization by this branch (P = .002).ConclusionsMechanisms of revascularization in rPAE are diverse and complex. Revascularization by the PL branch and recanalization of the previously embolized prostatic artery were the most frequent patterns observed. Embolization of the PL branch may reduce the incidence of prostate revascularization and LUTS recurrence after PAE.     

Efficacy of 3T Multiparametric MR Imaging followed by 3T in-Bore MR-Guided Biopsy for Detection of Clinically Significant Prostate Cancer Based on PIRADSv2.1 Score

PurposeTo evaluate the diagnostic yield of 3T in-Bore magnetic resonance-guided biopsy (3T IB-MRGB) for detection of clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa), based on assessment using the Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System version 2.1 (PIRADSv2.1).Materials and MethodsThis single-center study examined individuals who underwent 3T multiparametric prostate magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and subsequent 3T IB-MRGB. The final study cohort included 379 men (with 475 targets) divided into 3 subcohorts: biopsy-naïve men (n = 123), individuals with a history of negative trans-rectal-ultrasonography (TRUS) biopsy results (n = 106), and men with low-grade PCa under active surveillance (n = 150). csPCa was defined as having a Gleason score (GS) ≥3+4.Results3T IB-MRGB detected PCa and csPCa in 69.1% (262 of 379) and 50.3% (193 of 379) of patients, respectively. The PCa and csPCa detection rates per target were 64.2% (305 of 475) and 43.8% (208 of 475), respectively. The rate of urosepsis, treated with intravenous antibiotics, was 1% (4 patients). In TRUS biopsy negative results and biopsy-naïve subcohorts, csPCa was found in 36.8% (39 of 106) and 52.8% (65 of 123), respectively. In 50.7% (76 of 150) of the active surveillance subcohort, 3T IB-MRGB upgraded the GS assigned in prior TRUS biopsies. Positive predictive values of PIRADSv2.1 categories 3, 4, and 5 for csPCa detection were 24.8%, 44.4%, and 67.1%, respectively. Higher PIRADSv2.1 categories were significantly associated with PCa (odds ratio [OR], 3.97; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.98–5.28) and csPCa (OR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.03–1.94) detection. Of 137 PIRADSv2 category 3 lesions, 28 were downgraded to PIRADSv2.1 category 2, in which there were no occurrences of csPCa in histology.ConclusionsUse of 3T IB-MRGB resulted in detection of csPCa in 50.9% of individuals. 3T IB-MRGB has a high diagnostic yield in individuals with negative TRUS biopsy results and those under active surveillance. The PIRADSv2.1 category is a strong predictor of PCa and csPCa detection.     

Prostatic Artery Embolization for the Treatment of Recurrent Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms following Transurethral Resection of the Prostate

PurposeTo evaluate the safety and efficacy of prostatic artery embolization (PAE) in patients with recurrent lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) who underwent a previous transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP).Materials and MethodsThis retrospective study analyzed 15 of 19 patients who underwent PAE for recurrent LUTS after TURP between February 2014 and April 2019. The technical and clinical success rates and complications related to the procedure were recorded. International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality of life (QoL), and prostatic volume (PV) were evaluated at baseline and 3- and 12-mo follow-up.ResultsThe intervals from TURP to recurrent symptoms and from TURP to PAE were 4.3 y ± 3.2 and 5.6 y ± 3.8, respectively. Technical success was achieved in all patients. The clinical success rate for LUTS relief at 12 mo was 93.3% (14 of 15). IPSS significantly reduced from 22.5 ± 4.1 at baseline to 9.9 ± 4.9 at 12-mo follow-up, and QoL score improved from 4.7 ± 1.0 to 2.1 ± 1.1 (P < .05 for both). There was a significant mean reduction of 26.6% in PV at 12 mo, improving from 100.7 cm³ ± 38.5 to 73.9 cm³ ± 29.4 (P < .05). No severe complications were encountered.ConclusionsPAE may be a safe and effective treatment option for the management of recurrent LUTS secondary to BPH in patients who have previously undergone TURP.     

Use of 70- to 150-μm Radiopaque Spherical Embolics for Prostatic Artery Embolization

This retrospective report describes treatment of 21 patients who underwent prostatic artery embolization using 70- to 150-μm radiopaque microspheres for lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia. Seventeen patients (81%) received successful bilateral prostatic artery embolization. At a mean follow-up of 42 days (range, 25–59 days), patients showed improvement in International Prostate Symptom Score (n = 11; mean = 10.6; P = .001), quality of life score (n = 17; mean = 2.0; P = .02), and International Index of Erectile Function (n = 17; mean = 9.3; P = .01). The mean prostate volume reduction was 28 mL (16.2%; P = .003). Nontarget embolization occurred twice, resulting in 1 minor adverse event of hematospermia.     

Nontarget Radiopaque Embolic Deposition during Prostatic Artery Embolization

This study evaluated detectable nontarget embolization (NTE) during prostatic artery embolization (PAE) and the safety and efficacy of using radiopaque particles in PAE. Ten patients aged >40 years with prostate glands of >50 mL and refractory lower urinary tract symptoms were analyzed. Unenhanced computed tomography scans at baseline and at 3 months after PAE, using 40–90-μm radiopaque spherical embolic beads, were compared to assess the NTE. Growth models evaluated changes from baseline to 3, 6, and 12 months in International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), peak urine flow rate (Qmax), quality of life (QoL), International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), and postvoid residual (PVR). The IPSS, QoL, and Qmax improved at all time points (P < .05), with no trend in PVR or IIEF. Adverse events that occurred were minor. Radiographic NTE was seen in all patients, correlating at times with postprocedural symptoms (eg, rectal pain). Symptoms were not correlated with the NTE in some patients, whereas other patients remained asymptomatic despite NTE.     

Prostatic Artery Embolization for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Bleomycin-Eluting versus Bland Microspheres in a Canine Model

PurposeTo prospectively assess safety and efficacy of prostatic artery embolization (PAE) with bleomycin-eluting microspheres for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in a canine model.Materials and MethodsTwelve adult male beagles (mean age, 1.6 y ± 0.2; range, 1.2–2.0 y) were randomly assigned to group A (n = 6; PAE with bleomycin-eluting 30–60-μm HepaSphere microspheres) and group B (n = 6; PAE with bland 30–60-μm HepaSphere microspheres) between April 2017 and November 2018. Plasma bleomycin concentration in group A was measured within 7 days. Prostate volume (PV) and ischemic volume after PAE were measured by magnetic resonance imaging. Prostates and adjacent organs were harvested after the last magnetic resonance study and histopathologically examined.ResultsPlasma bleomycin concentration peaked at 10 minutes at 2,055.0 ng/mL ± 606.1 and lasted for 1,440 min at low levels after PAE. PV reduction percentage was greater in group A than in group B at 1 month (74.1% ± 4.3 vs 63.7% ± 3.5; P = .006) and 3 months (61.5% ± 6.7 vs 46.1% ± 3.8; P = .001) after PAE. Proportion of prostate ischemic volume was greater in group A than in group B (75.3% ± 3.0 vs 62.0% ± 7.1; P = .006) at 1 month after PAE. Proportion of prostate ischemic volume at 1 month positively correlated with PV percentage reduction at 3 months in group A (r = 0.840, P = .036) and group B (r = 0.844, P = .035). There were no complications or nontarget embolization to surrounding organs after the procedures.ConclusionsIn a canine model, PAE with bleomycin-eluting microspheres was feasible and well tolerated and caused ischemic necrosis and reduction in PV.     

Role of Ultrasound Elastography in Patient Selection for Prostatic Artery Embolization

PurposeTo determine the effects of prostatic artery embolization (PAE) on prostate elasticity as assessed using ultrasound elastography (US-E) and to describe baseline US-E's potential role in patient selection.Materials and MethodsThis was a prospective investigation that included 20 patients undergoing PAE to treat lower urinary tract symptoms attributed to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). US-E with measurement of the prostatic elastic modulus (EM) and shear wave velocity (SWV) was performed before PAE and at 1-month follow-up. Baseline, 3-month, and 1-year follow-up evaluations included prostate-specific antigen, uroflowmetry, pelvic magnetic resonance imaging, and clinical assessment using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and quality of life (QoL) metrics.ResultsSeventeen patients entered statistical analysis. US-E showed a significant reduction in mean prostatic EM (34.4 kPa vs 46.3 kPa, −24.7%, P < .0001) and SWV (3.55 m/s vs 4.46 m/s, −20.0%, P < .0001) after PAE. There were moderate positive correlations between baseline EM and 1-year IPSS (R = 0.62, P = .007) and between baseline SWV and 1-year IPSS (R = 0.68, P = .002). Baseline SWV ≥ 5.59 m/s and baseline EM ≥ 50.14 kPa were associated with suboptimal IPSS and QoL outcomes after PAE with high degrees of sensitivity (100%) and specificity (69-100%).ConclusionsPAE led to a positive effect on the BPH dynamic component related to prostatic elasticity. There was a moderate positive correlation between baseline prostatic elastographic parameters and 12-month IPSS. Measurement of baseline elastographic characteristics may become useful for the evaluation and selection of patients for PAE.     

Minimally Invasive Treatments for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

PurposeTo review and to compare indirectly the outcomes of minimally invasive therapies for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia.Materials and MethodsA literature search via Medline and Cochrane Central databases was completed for randomized control studies published between January 2000 to April 2020 for the following therapies: Rezum, Urolift, Aquablation, and prostatic artery embolization (PAE). Data on the following variables were included: International prostate symptom score (IPSS), maximum urinary flow rate, quality of life, and postvoid residual (PVR). Standard mean differences between treatments were compared through a meta-analysis using transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) to assess differences in treatment effect.ResultsThere was no significant difference in outcomes between therapies for IPSS at the 3, 6, and 12-month follow ups. Although outcomes for Rezum were only available out to 3 months, there were no consistently significant differences in outcomes when comparing Aquablation versus PAE versus Rezum. TURP PVR was significantly better than Urolift at 3, 6, and 12 months. No significant differences in minor or major adverse events were noted.ConclusionAlthough significant differences in outcomes were limited, Aquablation and PAE were the most durable at 12 months. PAE has been well studied on multiple randomized control trials with minimal adverse events while Aquablation has limited high quality data and has been associated with bleeding-related complications.     

Symptomatic Improvement of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: A Comparative Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of 4 Different Minimally Invasive Therapies

PurposeTo review and compare the outcomes of prostatic artery embolization (PAE) with 3 other minimally invasive surgical treatments for benign prostatic hyperplasia, including photoselective vaporization (PVP), prostatic urethral lift (PUL), and water vapor thermal therapy (WV).MethodsA literature review was used to identify 35 publications, which included 2,653 patients (studies, patients): PVP (13, 949), PUL (9, 577), WV (3, 330), and PAE (10, 728). The international prostate symptom score (IPSS) and the international index of erectile function (IIEF-5) and quality of life (QOL) scores were recorded at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. Meta-analyses, pooling the standardized mean difference between scores recorded before and after treatment, were conducted for each modality and time point to assess the magnitude of a therapy’s effect to yield pooled effect sizes. A negative score indicates IPSS and QOL improvement. A positive score indicates IIEF-5 improvement.ResultsAt 6 and 12 months, the IPSS and QOL were most improved after PVP, followed by that after PAE, PUL, and, lastly, WV (measured only at 12 months). Between 6 and 12 months, the IPSS and QOL improved with PAE and worsened with PVP and PUL. Only PAE demonstrated statistical improvement in the IIEF-5, which improved from 6 to 12 months.ConclusionsPVP and PAE resulted in the largest improvements in the IPSS and QOL. Only PAE resulted in improvement of the IIEF-5.     

Effect of Median Lobe Enlargement on Early Prostatic Artery Embolization Outcomes

PurposeTo evaluate outcomes after prostatic artery embolization (PAE) in patients with severe intravesical prostatic protrusion (IPP).Materials and MethodsThis was a retrospective, single health system, 2-hospital study from April 2015 to December 2018 of 54 patients who underwent elective PAE procedures (age mean 67.5 years; standard deviation [SD] 8.5). The cohort had a mean ellipsoid prostate volume of 100.1 cm³ (SD 56.7), a mean baseline International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) of 18.7 (SD 8.2), a mean baseline quality of life (QOL) score of 4.1 (SD 1.4), and a median follow-up of 38 days (range 10–656 days). Outcomes including IPSS and QOL score reduction (where a lower QOL score indicates an improvement in QOL), and clinical success were compared between severe (≥10 mm) and nonsevere (<10 mm) IPP patients. A linear regression model was used to examine the impact of IPP on these outcomes.ResultsNo significant differences in patient characteristics were found between nonsevere (n = 17) and severe (n = 37) IPP patients. Both cohorts showed IPSS reduction (nonsevere 6.0, P = .0397; severe 8.2, P < .0001) and QOL score reduction (nonsevere 1.0, P = .102; severe 2.0, P < .0001). No significant differences in IPSS or QOL score reduction were found between the cohorts (P = .431 and P = .127). Linear regression found that baseline IPP was not a significant contributor to the outcomes (IPSS: R² = .5, P < .0001; IPP: P = .702; QOL: R² = .5, P = .0003; IPP: P = .108).ConclusionsThere were no significant differences in early outcomes in PAE between patients with severe and nonsevere IPP.     

Perioperative Blood Loss after Preoperative Prostatic Artery Embolization in Patients Undergoing Simple Prostatectomy: A Propensity Score‒Matched Study

PurposeTo assess perioperative blood loss following prostatic artery embolization (PAE) before surgery in patients undergoing simple prostatectomy.MethodsA retrospective chart review was used to identify 63 patients (mean age, 65.3 ± 8.0 years) with prostatic hypertrophy and severe lower urinary tract symptoms who underwent prostatectomy from September 2014 to December 2019, 18 (28.5%) of whom underwent PAE before surgery. Demographic data, pertinent laboratory results, procedural or operative information, hospital course details, and pathology reports were obtained. A 2:1 propensity score‒matching analysis was performed to compare intraoperative blood loss in patients who underwent prostatectomy alone with intraoperative blood loss in those who first underwent bilateral PAE before surgery.ResultsSixteen (89%) of the 18 patients underwent bilateral PAE before surgery. Thirty-two patients who underwent prostatectomy without embolization before surgery were selected for the 2:1 propensity score‒matched analysis based on age, race, surgery type, prostate gland size, and comorbidities. The mean estimated blood loss (EBL) for prostatectomy alone was 545 ± 380 mL (mean ± standard deviation). There was a statistically significant reduction in the EBL for patients who underwent bilateral PAE (303 ± 227 mL, P < .01). The operative time was also significantly decreased for patients who underwent PAE before surgery (P < .05). For patients who underwent PAE, there were no complications related to the procedure.ConclusionsBilateral PAE before surgery appears to be safe and may be effective in reducing perioperative bleeding and operative time.     

Randomized Comparison of Prostatic Artery Embolization versus Transurethral Resection of the Prostate for Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

PurposeTo compare clinical and functional outcomes of prostatic artery embolization (PAE) with those of transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).Materials and MethodsNoninferiority randomized trial was conducted involving men over 60 years of age with LUTS secondary to BPH. From November 2014 to January 2017, 45 patients were randomized to PAE (n = 23) or to TURP (n = 22). PAE was performed with 300- to 500-μm microspheres with the patient under local anesthesia, whereas bipolar TURP was performed with the patients under spinal or general anesthesia. Primary outcomes were changes in peak urinary flow (Q_max) and international prostate symptoms score (IPSS) from baseline to 12 months. Quality of life (QoL), and prostate volume (PV) changes from baseline to 12 month were secondary outcomes. Adverse events were compared using the Clavien classification.ResultsMean Q_max increased from 6.1 mL/s in the PAE group and from 9.6 mL/s in the TURP patients (P = .862 for noninferiority), and mean IPSS reduction was 21.0 points for PAE and 18.2 points for TURP subjects (P = .080) at 12 months. A greater QoL improvement was reported in the PAE group (3.78 points for PAE and 3.09 points for TURP; P = .002). Mean PV reduction was 20.5 cm³ (34.2%) for PAE subjects and 44.7 cm³ (71.2%) for TURP subjects (P < .001). There were fewer adverse events reported in the PAE group than in the TURP group (n = 15 vs n = 47; P < .001).ConclusionsReduction of LUTS in the PAE group was similar to that in the TURP group at 12 months, with fewer complications secondary to PAE. Long-term follow-up is needed to compare the durability of the symptomatic improvement from each procedure.     

Development of Research Agenda in Prostate Artery Embolization: Summary of Society of Interventional Radiology Consensus Panel

PurposeTo summarize the Society of Interventional Radiology Foundation’s Research Consensus Panel development of a research agenda on prostate artery embolization (PAE).Materials and MethodsPAE for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms has been shown to be safe and effective in decreasing symptoms and prostate size. Lack of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on PAE in the United States has prevented inclusion in American Urologic Association guideline recommendations for treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms resulting from benign prostatic hyperplasia. Recognizing the need for well-designed trials, the SIR Foundation funded a Research Consensus Panel to prioritize a research agenda. The panel included interventional radiologists, urologists, SIR Foundation leadership, and industry representatives. The goal of the meeting was to discuss weaknesses with current data and study design for development of US trials to report long-term outcomes data.ResultsFinal consensus on a research design could not be made because the group was split on 3 research designs: (i) RCT of PAE versus sham with crossover of the sham group. (ii) RCT of PAE versus simple prostatectomy. (iii) RCT of PAE versus holmium laser enucleation of the prostate/thulium laser enucleation of the prostate. The panel recommended a nonindustry-funded registry to obtain real-world data.ConclusionsLevel 1 data are required to be included in the American Urologic Association guidelines for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Because of concerns with all 3 study designs, the panel did not reach a consensus. Further meetings are planned with the panel to select among these research designs.     

Assessing the Effects of Geniculate Artery Embolization in a Nonsurgical Animal Model of Osteoarthritis

PurposeTo create a nonsurgical animal model of osteoarthritis (OA) to evaluate the effects of embolotherapy during geniculate artery embolization (GAE).Materials and MethodsFluoroscopy-guided injections of 700 mg of sodium monoiodoacetate were performed into the left stifle in 6 rams. Kinematic data were collected before and after induction. At 10 weeks after induction, Subjects 1 and 4–6 underwent magnetic resonance (MR) imaging with dynamic contrast enhancement (DCE) and Subjects 1, 3, and 4–6 underwent angiography with angiographic scoring to identify regions with greatest disease severity for superselective embolization (75–250-μm microspheres). Target vessel size was measured. At 24 weeks after angiography, DCE-MR imaging, angiography, and euthanasia were performed, and bilateral stifles were harvested. Medial/lateral tibial and femoral condylar, patellar, and synovial samples were cut, preserved, decalcified, and scored using the Osteoarthritis Research Society International criteria. The stifle and synovium Whole-Organ Magnetic Resonance Imaging Score and Multicenter Osteoarthritis Study score were determined. The volume transfer constant (K_trans) and extracellular volume fraction (v_e) were calculated from DCE-MR imaging along the lateral synovial regions of interest.ResultsThe mean gross and microscopic pathological scores were elevated at 38 and 61, respectively. Mean synovitis score was elevated at 9.2. Mean pre-embolization and postembolization angiographic scores were 5 and 3.8, respectively. Mean superior, transverse, and inferior geniculate artery diameters were 3.1 mm ± 1.21, 2.0 mm ± 0.50, and 1.6 mm ± 0.41 mm, respectively. Mean pre-embolization and postembolization cartilage and synovitis scores were elevated at 35.13 and 73.3 and 5.5 and 9.2, respectively. The K_trans/v_e values of Subjects 4, 5, and 6 were elevated at 0.049/0.38, 0.074/0.53, and 0.065/0.51, respectively. Altered gait of the hind limb was observed in all subjects after induction, with reduced joint mobility. No skin necrosis or osteonecrosis was observed.ConclusionsA nonsurgical ovine animal knee OA model was created, which allowed the collection of angiographic, histopathological, MR imaging, and kinematic data to study the effects of GAE.     

Comparison of 24-Month Clinical Outcomes after Prostatic Artery Embolization in Prostate Glands Larger versus Smaller than 80 mL: A Systematic Review

PurposeThis review was undertaken to compare the clinical outcomes of prostatic artery embolization (PAE) in patients with >80 versus <80 mL prostatic volume (PV) at the 24-month follow-up to determine whether PV predicted the effectiveness or durability of PAE.Materials and MethodsThe PubMed/MEDLINE database was searched for articles published between 2010 and 2022 using the search term “(prostat1 artery embolization) AND (long term OR follow-up OR 24-month).” Articles were included if they discussed PAE for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and reported a minimum follow-up of 24 months. Articles with <10 patients were excluded. A subgroup analysis was performed to evaluate for any difference in clinical outcomes at the 24-month post-PAE follow-up between studies with a mean PV of >80 mL and those with a mean PV of <80 mL.ResultsA total of 14 studies with 2,260 patients were included, all of which demonstrated significant reduction in symptoms at the 24-month follow-up after PAE. Four studies were included as part of the >80-mL PV subgroup (n = 467), and 10 studies were included as part of the <80-mL PV subgroup (n = 1,793). There was a statistically significant difference between the mean preprocedural PV (128.5 vs 64.0 mL; P = .015). At the 24-month follow-up, there were no significant differences between groups across any of the compared parameters. The collective incidence of major adverse events reported in the studies within this review was <1%.ConclusionsPAE is both safe and durable for patients suffering from BPH and can be effective across a wide range of baseline PVs.