Ronald F. Tutrone, Jr., MD, FACS, presented “Fexapotide for BPH“ with an introduction from E. David Crawford, MD.
How to cite: Tutrone, Ronald F. “Fexapotide for BPH” January 27, 2018. Accessed Jul 2024. https://grandroundsinurology.com/Fexapotide-for-BPH/
Fexapotide for BPH
Summary:
Ronald F. Tutrone, Jr., MD, FACS, summarizes two Phase III clinical trials testing the safety and efficacy of fexapotide, a novel treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Fexapotide Application
Fexapotide is a first-in-class injectable protein for the treatment of BPH. Clinicians deliver 5 cc of the protein into the right and left transition zones of the prostate through a 22 gauge needle.
Fexapotide Mechanism of Action
The mechanism of action for fexapotide is to cause selective apoptosis in the glandular portions of the prostate. In other words, it destroys cell organelles and leaves behind the stroma. Furthermore, animals testing shows that fexapotide causes no damage to organs surrounding the prostate.
Clinical Trials
A study looking at two Phase III clinical trials served as an illustration of fexapotide’s significant benefits. Among those benefits, BPH patients saw improvement in their International Prostate Symptom Score (I-PSS), especially regarding voiding symptoms.
Also, according to trials, the drug has no serious adverse events related to it, no risk of complications with repeat injections, and causes no detectable immune response. Overall, the protein injection is extremely safe. Furthermore, patients receiving the injection saw a reduction in spontaneous acute urinary retention and incidence of prostate cancer. As an additional positive effect, patients receiving fexapotide had improved SHIM score when compared to the placebo.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. Tutrone is Chief of Urology and Chairman of the William E. Kahlert Endowment for Urological Research at the Greater Baltimore Medical Center in Towson, Maryland. He also serves as Medical Director of both Chesapeake Urology Research Associates and the Chesapeake Urology Infusion Therapy Center. Dr. Tutrone’s clinical interests include treatment of urologic malignancies including kidney, bladder, and prostate; laparoscopic treatment of renal and adrenal tumors; kidney stone treatment; urinary incontinence in men and women; and prostate disorders. He also performs the UroLift procedure for the treatment of BPH/enlarged prostate. He has been voted a “Top Doctor” by Baltimore Magazine numerous times, and a “Super Doctor” for Urology in the Washington Post Magazine. Dr. Tutrone has authored numerous articles and has been principal investigator in more than 200 clinical research trials.
