RecruitingPhase 3

Low-Intensity Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy on Penile Rehabilitation After Robot-assisted Surgical Treatment of Genitourinary Cancers

Italy158 participantsStarted 2023-09-15

Plain-language summary

This prospective randomized controlled trial (RCT) is designed to provide high level evidence on the efficacy of Low-intensity Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (Li-ESWT) in the treatment of post-Robot-Assisted (RA) Radical Prostatectomy (RP) erectile dysfunction (ED) in addition to PDE5 inhibitors (PDE5i) versus PDE5i alone. Our hypothesis is that early andrological rehabilitation that combines Li-ESWT and PDE5i could lead to faster and better recovery of valid erections for intercourse, with a greater rate of postoperative International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) compared to patients receiving PDE5i alone.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 75 Years

Sex

MALE

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Patients aged ≤75 yrs; * PSA \<10 ng/mL * Prostate Cancer ISUP grade ≤2 and cT≤2 at prostate biopsy * undergoing nerve sparing RARP; * preoperative IIEF-5 score ≥ 17; * First PSA (45d after surgery) \<0.1 * Prostate Cancer ISUP grade ≤2 pT\<3b and at final pathology * ≥ 18 yrs old; * compliants patients able to follow the study protocol and fill in IIEF-5 scores and EORTC quality of life questionnaires; * patients able to provide a written informed consent for the trial. Exclusion Criteria: * anaesthesiologic contraindications to robotic surgery * patients submitted to pelvic radiotherapy or androgen deprivation * patients reporting major postoperative complications (CD≥3) * cardiovascular contraindications to PDE5i medical treatment

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Erectile Function

Timeframe: From enrollment to 1 year after treatment

Trial details

NCT IDNCT06717711

SponsorRegina Elena Cancer Institute

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2027-02-28

Contact for this trial

Giuseppe Simone

0652665005 giuseppe.simone@ifo.it

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Prostate Carcinoma trials