Angiogenesis Therapy for the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction

Introduction: Over the past 15 years, significant advances have been made in the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). The most significant of these advances has been pharmacological treatment of ED with phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. This therapy greatly increased the awareness of ED and has helped stimulate research into the underlying causes of ED. While treatment with PDE5 inhibitors continues to be the current therapy of choice, approximately 40% of men treated with PDE5 inhibitors fail to have significant improvement in erectile function and PDE5 inhibitors do not reverse the vasculopathic processes associated with ED. With this in mind, new therapies must be developed. The treatment with angiogenic growth factors such as vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF) may be one such therapy. Aim: This review will focus on defining key terms in the angiogenic process, angiogenic growth factors, and different delivery methods, and summarize results from angiogenic therapies for the treatment of ED. Methods: A review of the literature was performed on all angiogenic therapies for the treatment of ED. A brief review on the angiogenic factors was also performed. Results: Angiogenic therapies for the treatment of ED are possible and promising; however, further investigation is needed to advance clinically. Conclusions: Although numerous studies have now employed angiogenic factors for the possible treatment of ED in several animal models, we are still not at the point to begin human investigations. Future studies need to examine proper dosage of the angiogenic agent, route of delivery, time course for delivery, and combination therapies.