Top 10 BPH stories of 2023

There have been huge strides made in the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) over the last year. In honor of all these advancements, Urology Times® is highlighting our top BPH content from 2023.

FDA approves Optilume BPH System

In July 2023, the FDA approved the Optilume BPH Catheter System for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) secondary to BPH. The Optilume BPH System is a minimally invasive surgical therapy consisting of a drug-coated (paclitaxel) balloon system. The approval was based on findings from the PINNACLE (NCT04131907) and EVEREST (NCT03423979) trials, which demonstrated sustained efficacy and safety with the treatment in patients with BPH-related LUTS. Read more here.

AUA releases guideline amendments for BPH-related LUTS and testicular cancer

In September 2023, the American Urological Association released 2023 clinical practice guideline amendments for the management of LUTS secondary to BPH. The amendment is an update to the 2021 guideline on the condition. Read more here.

Current BPH practice patterns influenced by surgeon factors

A study published in Urology found associations between surgeon factors and the utilization of certain surgical approaches to manage BPH. Specifically, the investigators found that surgeon age, patient age, and urologist subspecialization were associated with use of certain approaches. Read more on the findings here.

UK’s NICE recommends Aquablation for BPH

In October 2023, the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence granted the "standard arrangements" recommendation, its strongest endorsement, to Aquablation for the treatment of patients with BPH. A pivotal study supporting the NICE recommendation was the WATER trial, which demonstrated strong efficacy and safety of Aquablation vs transurethral resection of the prostate for the treatment of men with LUTS due to BPH. Read more here.

iTind device shows durable safety and efficacy in patients with BPH-related LUTS

Findings from the MT02 study showed that treatment with the iTind device for BPH-related LUTS led to a significant and durable reduction in symptoms and improved quality of life for more than 48 months following treatment.

The authors concluded, “The long-term follow-up data reported in this study has provided evidence that the iTind device implant demonstrates clinical durability and may be considered a reliable surgical modality for the relief of BPH-related LUTS, even in the setting of ‘bridge treatment.’” Read more on the findings here.

CMS final rule increases payment rate for iTind procedure in HOPD and ASC

The 2023 CMS final rule included increased payment rates for code C9769 covering the iTind procedure in hospital-based outpatient department (HOPD) and ambulatory surgical center (ASC) facilities. The CMS CY2023 Outpatient Prospective Payment System Rule was finalized and announced on November 1, 2022, and the rates went into effect January 1, 2023. Read more here.

Optilume BPH System officially launches on world urology market

In July 2023, the world’s first patient in a commercial setting was treated with the Optilume BPH System, a minimally invasive surgical therapy used for the treatment of LUTS secondary to BPH. The procedure was performed by Dean S. Elterman, MD, MSc, FRCSC, a urologist at University Urology Associates in Toronto, Canada. Read more here.

Study highlights efficacy of prostate artery embolization in BPH

Research suggested that prostate artery embolization (PAE) can facilitate short-term improvement as well as sustained long-term outcomes for men with BPH. One year after patients had the PAE procedure, the study authors reported a 32% reduction in prostate gland size. Read more here.

Aquablation safety and efficacy in BPH sustained at 5-year follow-up

The final 5-year results from the WATER II trial (NCT03123250) showed that Aquablation therapy successfully met its safety and efficacy performance goals in the management of LUTS due to BPH. Overall, the trial enrolled 101 men with moderate to severe BPH symptoms and prostate volumes of 80 mL to 150 mL. Read more on the findings here.

Cleveland Clinic shares its institutional experience with aquablation for BPH

Dennis Bentley, MD, alongside his colleague Brian Canterbury, MD, spearheaded efforts at Cleveland Clinic to integrate Aquablation into clinical practice. Read more on their institution’s experience with the procedure here.

You can view all of our content on BPH here.