Guy’s Hospital has started a world-first medical trial to treat men who struggle to get an erection after having prostate cancer.
Between 70 and 80 per cent of men suffer from erectile dysfunction after having surgery for prostate cancer, making it the most common side-effect of the disease. Guy’s is testing to see if sending acoustic shockwaves at the affected areas could regenerate blood vessels and nerves, possibly making it easier to gain an erection.
Similar treatment has worked on kidney stones and joint disorders.
Mr Tet Yap, consultant andrological surgeon and trial lead, said: “We’re delighted to be able to offer this potentially life-changing treatment to patients with prostate cancer. Most patients who are in remission will lose their sexual function through nerve damage following surgery.
“This new painless therapy has the potential to restore their erectile function by regenerating new blood vessels and nerves, hopefully helping patients to return to leading a normal healthy life.”
As part of the trial, low-energy shockwaves are sent at a targeted area using a specialist probe for around ten or fifteen minutes. Each patient will receive treatment through a randomised trial for ten sessions, once a week.
The trial is currently open to recruitment. If you would like to take part in the trial, please speak to your GP, urologist or oncologist.