Regenerative Injection of Stem Cells or Stem Cell-derived Exosomes for Erectile Dysfunction (RISE)

Overview

The goal of this prospective observational study is to evaluate whether injections of stem cells derived from the patient's own fat tissue (adipose tissue) can improve erectile function in men aged 30 to 75 who have erectile dysfunction (ED) and have not responded well to standard treatments like PDE-5 inhibitors (e.g., Viagra). The main questions the study aims to answer are: Will the stem cell injections improve erectile function, as measured by the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) score? Are there any changes in blood flow to the penis, which will be measured using a Doppler ultrasound? Participants will: Receive injections of their own stem cells (obtained from a biopsy of fat) directly into the penis. Undergo assessments to check erectile function before and after treatment. Have follow-up visits at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months to monitor long-term effects. The study will also look for any possible side effects or complications and evaluate biological markers in the penis that may indicate the effectiveness of the treatment. Participants will be recruited from clinic where they are already receiving care for ED. To take part, they must be in good overall health, with no severe heart disease, uncontrolled diabetes, cancer, or other conditions that could make stem cell therapy unsafe for them.

Detailed Description: This prospective observational study is designed to evaluate the safety and preliminary efficacy of intracavernosal injections of autologous adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSCs) or stem cell-derived exosomes for treating erectile dysfunction (ED) in men unresponsive to conventional therapies, such as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors. The primary focus will be on improvements in erectile function, as measured by changes in the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) score. Additionally, the study will assess penile hemodynamics, monitor adverse events, and explore biomarkers that may predict therapeutic outcomes. Background and Rationale: Erectile dysfunction affects a significant proportion of the male population, particularly with advancing age, and can result from various causes, including vascular, neurogenic, and psychogenic factors. Current standard treatments, such as PDE-5 inhibitors, are effective for many, but a substantial subset of patients-especially those with underlying vascular or nerve-related pathologies-experience inadequate therapeutic responses. Regenerative medicine has emerged as a promising approach for addressing ED through tissue repair and vascular regeneration. Both ADSCs and stem cell-derived exosomes are potential therapies due to their ability to promote angiogenesis, tissue regeneration, and anti-inflammatory effects. ADSCs can be harvested from the patient's adipose tissue, minimizing the risk of immunogenicity or rejection. Exosomes derived from stem cells, on the other hand, offer a cell-free approach, delivering growth factors and signaling molecules to the target tissues. Preclinical studies have demonstrated the potential of these therapies to restore erectile function through tissue remodeling and enhanced penile blood flow following intracavernosal injection. Primary Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of intracavernosal ADSC or stem cell-derived exosome injections in improving erectile function, as determined by changes in the IIEF score from baseline through subsequent follow-ups. The IIEF is a validated, comprehensive questionnaire used to assess erectile function and sexual satisfaction. Secondary Objectives: Penile Hemodynamics: Doppler ultrasound will evaluate changes in penile blood flow post-treatment, providing insight into the vascular effects of the therapies. Long-Term Effects: Follow-up visits at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months will include IIEF scoring, Doppler ultrasound assessments, and patient-reported outcomes to evaluate the durability of treatment effects. Safety and Adverse Events: All potential adverse events, including injection-site reactions and systemic complications, will be closely monitored and documented throughout the study. Biomarker Exploration: Exploratory analyses will aim to identify biomarkers, including vascular and tissue-specific markers, which may predict patient response to the treatment. Study Design: This open-label, single-arm, pilot observational study will serve as a preliminary investigation of ADSC or stem cell-derived exosome therapy in ED, providing foundational data on their feasibility and safety. As a prospective observational study, the emphasis will be on safety and gathering initial efficacy data rather than delivering definitive conclusions. Study Population: The study will enroll 30 men aged 30 to 75 years with a diagnosis of mild to moderate erectile dysfunction who have failed or experienced suboptimal responses to PDE-5 inhibitors. Participants will be recruited from Dr. Ranjith Ramasamy's clinic, where they are receiving care for ED. Inclusion and exclusion criteria have been carefully designed to select participants who are most likely to benefit from these therapies and ensure patient safety. Sample Size Rationale: A sample size of 30 was chosen based on the exploratory nature of the study. The primary goal is to assess feasibility, safety, and preliminary efficacy while providing sufficient data to inform the design of future, more extensive studies. Recruitment of 30 participants is feasible within the clinic's patient population over the planned two-year period. Study Procedures: Informed Consent: Participants will be fully informed about the study, including its risks and benefits, and will provide written consent prior to enrollment. Baseline Assessments: Baseline data, including IIEF scores, penile Doppler ultrasound, and blood tests, will be collected to assess pre-treatment erectile function and overall health. Therapeutic Administration: For ADSCs: ADSCs will be isolated from autologous adipose tissue harvested via minimally invasive liposuction. The cells will be processed and prepared for direct injection into the corpus cavernosum. A tourniquet will be placed for 15 minutes around the base of the penis after the injection to minimize systemic dispersion. For Exosomes: Exosomes derived from stem cells will be isolated and purified, then injected intracavernosally using a similar protocol. Follow-Up Monitoring: Participants will be monitored for immediate post-injection reactions and at regular intervals (3, 6, 9, and 12 months) for changes in erectile function (IIEF), penile hemodynamics (Doppler ultrasound), and adverse events. Exploratory biomarker analysis will also be conducted. Data Collection and Analysis: Data will be analyzed to evaluate primary and secondary outcomes. IIEF score changes will be the primary efficacy measure, while penile hemodynamics and adverse event rates will be assessed for safety. Exploratory analyses will investigate the correlation between biomarkers and clinical outcomes, providing insights into potential predictors of treatment response. Ethical Considerations: This study will adhere to ethical standards for clinical research. Informed consent will be obtained from all participants, and the protocol will be reviewed and approved by an ethics committee. Participants will have the right to withdraw at any point, and their standard medical care will not be affected by their participation. Expected Outcomes: The study aims to provide early evidence on the safety and potential efficacy of ADSC or stem cell-derived exosome therapy for ED. If successful, participants are expected to show improvements in erectile function with minimal adverse events. The findings from this study will inform larger, more definitive trials and contribute to the development of novel regenerative therapies for erectile dysfunction.