Is colchicine effective in Peyronie's disease? A pilot study.

OBJECTIVES: The treatment of Peyronie's disease with oral or topical agents has not been entirely satisfactory. In this pilot study, we hypothesized that colchicine, known to induce collagenase activity and decrease collagen synthesis, might be an ideal agent in the treatment of Peyronie's disease.

METHODS: Colchicine was administered orally for 3 to 5 months to a group of 24 previously untreated patients with Peyronie's disease.

RESULTS: Peyronie's plaque decreased or disappeared in 12 of the 24 patients, 7 of 9 patients with painful erections reported significant relief, and penile curvature was improved in 7 of 19 cases. Erectile status, narrowing of the penis, and accompanying Dupuytren's contracture did not change in any of the cases.

CONCLUSIONS: Although this pilot study shows some promising results of the use of colchicine in the treatment of Peyronie's disease, the ultimate usefulness of this agent will be determined only by a prospective double-blind clinical study.