Comparing embolic particles for prostatic artery embolization to treat lower urinary tract symptoms in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Compare the safety and efficacy of polyvinyl alcohol particles (PVA) versus trisacryl gelatin microspheres (Embospheres) versus hydrogel microspheres coated with polyzene-F (Embozenes) for prostatic artery embolization (PAE) to treat patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

A single-center prospective cohort study from 2019 to 2023, including patients with international prostate symptom score (IPSS) ≥ 15 and/or quality of life score (QoL) ≥ 4. Allocation to embolic agents was performed chronologically: 100-300 µm PVA (n = 53), followed by 300-500 µm Embospheres (n = 50), and finally, 400 µm Embozenes (n = 50). All patients were evaluated at baseline and at 1 and 6 months after PAE with IPSS/QoL; peak urinary flow rate, post-void residual volume, and prostate volume with ultrasound and prostate-specific antigen. Adverse events and the need for prostatic re-interventions were assessed.

There were no significant baseline differences between the three groups except for patient age (62.5 years PVA; 66.1 years Embospheres and 66.6 years Embozenes; p = 0.019). There were no major adverse events and no differences between groups regarding minor adverse events. All outcome measures improved significantly from baseline, with no significant differences between groups. Mean ± standard deviation IPSS/QoL improvement at 6 months: -10.7 ± 7.9/-2.2 ± 1.7 PVA; -10.4 ± 7.3/-2.0 ± 1.5 Embospheres; -10.4 ± 7.0/-2.2 ± 1.6 Embozenes (p = 0.987). Re-intervention rates after 6 months: 9% (n = 5/53) PVA; 14% (n = 7/50) Embospheres; 8% (n = 4/50) Embozenes (p = 0.591).

PAE with PVA particles, Embospheres, and Embozenes is equally safe and effective in treating BPH-related lower urinary tract symptoms.

This is the first prospective study showing equivalence between the most frequently used embolic agents for prostatic artery embolization.

Different particles can be used interchangeably for prostatic artery embolization. The improvements in measured metrics were the same between groups, with no differences in adverse events. The need for prostatic medication and re-intervention rates were the same at 1 and 6 months after embolization.

European radiology. 2024 Aug 06 [Epub ahead of print]

Tiago Bilhim, Nuno Vasco Costa, Daniel Torres, Serhat Akış, Marta Alves, Ana Luisa Papoila

Interventional Radiology Unit, Curry Cabral Hospital, Unidade Local de Saúde São José; Centro Clínico Académico de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal. ., Interventional Radiology Unit, Curry Cabral Hospital, Unidade Local de Saúde São José; Centro Clínico Académico de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal., Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Türkiye., Epidemiology and Statistics Unit, Research Center, Unidade Local de Saúde São José; Centro Clínico Académico de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal.