Preclinical and Clinical Evidence for Prostatic Artery Embolization

Prostatic artery embolization (PAE) was initially described for management of patients with prostatic hematuria. However, it has since been found to be effective in the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Animal studies have demonstrated safety and efficacy in reducing prostate volumes, paving the way for clinical trials in humans. Several comparative studies have been performed that have demonstrated that PAE can considerably improve urinary symptoms safely, but not to the same degree at traditional surgical techniques. Numerous single-arm trials have been summarized in several meta-analyses and systematic reviews suggesting that PAE is effective in treating LUTS with a very low rate major complication including sexual dysfunction.