Comparing the efficacy of tadalafil and tamsulosin for managing erectile dysfunction and lower urinary tract symptoms in prostate brachytherapy patients: a prospective study.

Introduction: Adverse events, such as erectile dysfunction (ED) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), are significant concerns in prostate cancer (PCa) patients treated with Iodine 125 (I-125) low-dose rate (LDR) prostate brachytherapy (PB). Alpha antagonists and phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors are used to manage these events. The present study compared the efficacy of low-dose tadalafil with that of tamsulosin for concomitant ED and LUTS in PCa patients treated with I-125 LDR PB.

Materials and methods: One hundred and seventeen patients who received PB for low- or intermediate-risk localized PCa were analyzed. They were randomized into two groups, one receiving tamsulosin (N = 58) and the other receiving low-dose tadalafil (N = 59) immediately after PB. Sexual and urinary functions were assessed at various time points post-PB using questionnaires and objective measurements. The primary endpoint was sexual function measured by the International Index of Erectile Function-15 (IIEF-15) EF domain scores 6 months after PB. Secondary endpoints were sexual function measured by total IIEF-15 scores and Erection Hardness Scores 6 months after PB. The exploratory endpoint was the LUTS status 6 months after PB.

Results: No significant differences were observed in baseline characteristics between the two groups. Tadalafil exerted stronger effects on sexual function, particularly erection hardness, than tamsulosin. No significant differences were observed in the management of LUTS between both treatments.

Conclusion: Low-dose tadalafil and tamsulosin may manage LUTS equally after PB. Low-dose tadalafil may contribute to the maintenance of erectile function, particularly erection hardness, after PB; therefore, it is a viable option for patients with baseline erectile function.