Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators: Current Knowledge and Clinical Applications.

INTRODUCTION: Selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) differentially bind to androgen receptors depending on each SARM's chemical structure. As a result, SARMs result in anabolic cellular activity while avoiding many of the side effects of currently available anabolic steroids. SARMs have been studied in the treatment of breast cancer and cachexia and have also been used as performance-enhancing agents. Here, we evaluate and summarize the current literature on SARMs. AIM: To present the background, mechanisms, current and potential clinical applications, as well as risks and benefits of SARMs. METHODS: A literature review was performed in MEDLINE using the terms selective androgen receptor modulator, hypogonadism, cachexia, breast cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia, libido, and lean muscle mass. Both basic research and clinical studies were included. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: To complete a review of peer-reviewed literature. RESULTS: Although there are currently no U.S. Food and Drug Agency-approved indications for SARMs, investigators are exploring the potential uses for these compounds. Basic research has focused on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of these agents, demonstrating good availability with a paucity of drug interactions. Early clinical studies have demonstrated potential uses for SARMs in the treatment of cancer-related cachexia, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), hypogonadism, and breast cancer, with positive results. CONCLUSION: SARMs have numerous possible clinical applications, with promise for the safe use in the treatment of cachexia, BPH, hypogonadism, breast cancer, and prostate cancer. Solomon ZJ, Mirabal JR, Mazur DJ, et al. Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators: Current Knowledge and Clinical Applications. Sex Med Rev 2019;7:84-94.

Increased Risk of Incident Disease in Men with Peyronie's Disease: Analysis of U.S. Claims Data.

BACKGROUND: The subsequent health risks associated with Peyronie's disease (PD) are unknown. AIM: This cohort study assesses the risk of developing auto-immune conditions and common chronic health conditions after a diagnosis of PD. We hypothesize that an increase in auto-immune disease will be evident in men with PD, as has been suggested in smaller studies. METHODS: We determined the longitudinal incidence of 13 auto-immune diseases and 25 common chronic conditions in a cohort from the Truven Health Analytics (Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA) database from 2007-2013. The cohort included men with 1 of 3 exposures in 2007: (1) men with PD, (2) men with erectile dysfunction (ED) but not PD, and (3) men without PD or ED, matched on age and follow-up duration. OUTCOMES: To assess incidence, we utilized a Cox regression model adjusting for age, smoking, obesity, health care visits per year, urology visits per year, and years of follow-up. RESULTS: We included 8,728 men with PD; 204,147 men with ED; and 87,280 controls. Men with PD had an increased risk of developing benign prostatic hyperplasia (hazard ratio [HR] 1.21, 95% CI 1.16-1.27), prostatitis (HR 1.21, 95% CI 1.12-1.31), and lower urinary tract symptoms (HR 1.10, 95% CI 1.05-1.16) when compared to both men with ED and age-matched controls without ED or PD even when controlling for the number of urology visits per year. Compared to controls, men with PD also had an increased risk of developing keloids. No significant risk for any auto-immune disease was observed. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Clinicians should have heightened awareness for these relevant co-morbidities when treating men with PD. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS: Utilizing a claims database provides one of the largest cohorts of men with PD ever published but claims databases lack some individual patient data such as risk factors and demographic information relevant to PD, including: penile injury, history of urologic procedures, and other lifestyle factors. CONCLUSION: Men with PD had a higher risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia, lower urinary tract symptoms, prostatitis, and keloids after a diagnosis of PD, but no increased risk of auto-immune conditions. These findings suggest a common etiology for these conditions that may manifest itself in diseases at different times in men's life cycle. Pastuszak AW, Rodriguez KM, Solomon ZJ, et al. Increased Risk of Incident Disease in Men with Peyronie's Disease: Analysis of U.S. Claims Data. J Sex Med 2018;15:894-901.