PharmaShots Interview: Boston Scientific’s Ron Morton Shares Insights on the Rezūm Water Vapor Therapy

In an interview with PharmaShots, Ron Morton, Chief Medical Officer, Vice President of Medical Affairs, UroPH at Boston Scientific shares his views on Rezūm Water Vapor Therapy to reduces the size of the prostate and provides lasting symptom relief from benign prostatic hyperplasia

Shots:

The company reported the new data from a survey of 2,000 American men aged ≥60 conducted by OnePoll showed that 50% experienced an urgent need to pee
Extensive clinical research has reported the safety and efficacy of Rezūm Therapy and showed an effective symptom relief through 5yrs. Additionally, patients return to regular activities within a few days after treatment and symptom improvement within 2wks.
In a minimally invasive procedure, the Rezūm system demonstrated fewer side effects compared to invasive surgical therapies. The purpose of Rezūm Water Vapor Therapy is to release water vapor into the prostate and target the tissue surrounding and obstructing the urethra

Tuba: Tell us about benign prostatic hyperplasia; what are its root cause and symptoms.

Ron Morton: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as enlarged prostate, is a common condition that affects roughly half of all men by age 60, and up to 90% of men by the age of 85. The prostate is a walnut-sized gland in the male pelvis and surrounding the urethra, its primary function is to aid in reproduction. As men age, the prostate can grow from the size of a walnut to about the size of a lemon and sometimes larger. Because the prostate is located just below the bladder, when it becomes enlarged, it can place pressure on the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder and can obstruct the flow of urine. This blockage can cause frustrating symptoms that include frequent urination, weak or interrupted urine stream, feeling a sudden urge to urinate, and lack of control over urination. If left untreated some men will develop urinary retention or the inability to urinate at all which is a medical emergency.

Tuba: What are the common treatment options for BPH? Are there any natural treatment options?

Ron Morton: There are several treatment options for enlarged prostate depending on the severity of the condition and the patient’s personal medical history. Watchful waiting (closely monitoring the condition without immediate treatment unless symptoms worsen) is the first consideration for most men presenting with early signs of BPH. In some cases, behavioral modifications, such as drinking less caffeine, may also help with reducing symptoms. If treatment is needed, medications are available, but they may not work for everyone and can have undesirable side effects, including sexual dysfunction. Surgery may be an effective option for those willing, but many individuals prefer to avoid an intensive operation and the recovery process that comes with it. For patients who prefer to avoid major surgery or for whom medications have proved insufficient, Rezūm™ Water Vapor Therapy is a minimally invasive treatment option. The procedure uses the natural energy from water vapor to remove obstructive prostate tissue – treating the cause of BPH, not just the symptoms. Data from a randomized controlled trial supports the procedure as a long-term, effective treatment option for those with the condition.

Tuba: Describe in brief Rezūm Water Vapor Therapy. How can this therapy help in the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia?

Ron Morton: Rezūm Water Vapor Therapy does not require any general anesthesia and can be completed during a single doctor’s visit. The therapy works by releasing water vapor into the prostate and targeting the tissue surrounding and obstructing the urethra. The energy from the water vapor denatures the prostate adenoma cells that cause BPH, reducing the size of the prostate and thereby relieving the pressure on the urethra and associated symptoms of BPH. After the procedure, cell remnants are naturally absorbed by the body.

Tuba: Why should patients consider Rezūm Water Vapor Therapy?

Ron Morton: Rezūm Water Vapor Therapy shrinks the size of the enlarged prostate, relieving symptoms while also preserving sexual function, a priority for some men when it comes to BPH treatments. For many years, the primary options for treating BPH were medication and invasive surgery, but Rezūm Therapy provides an alternative for those who are dissatisfied with, have stopped, or don’t want to start taking medications, and individuals not interested in invasive surgical options. Extensive clinical research has validated the safety and efficacy of Rezūm Therapy and has demonstrated its long-term, effective symptom relief five years following the procedure. Most patients return to regular activities within a few days after treatment and see symptom improvement within two weeks. As with any medical procedure, experiences may vary between patients, so all options should be discussed with a doctor. Most patients report relatively minor discomfort during the procedure. As a minimally invasive procedure, the Rezūm system has demonstrated fewer side effects compared to those typically seen with invasive surgical therapies. Potential side effects associated with Rezūm Water Vapor Therapy include but are not limited to painful or frequent urination, blood in the urine or semen, decrease in ejaculatory volume, urinary tract infection (UTI), inability to urinate or completely empty the bladder, and urgent need to urinate.

Tuba: Put some light on the data that Boston Scientific received from the survey.

Ron Morton: The survey, conducted by OnePoll, asked 2,000 American men aged 60 and older about their experience with frequent urination and symptoms of BPH. Results showed that more than half reported frequently experiencing an urgent need to pee, a weak stream, or waking up at night to go to the bathroom – all common symptoms of BPH – yet only 27% had been diagnosed with the condition.

Additionally, nearly one in three said they feel worried or self-conscious about the frequency of their daily urination, and more than a quarter said they feel like they’re alone in constantly needing to go to the bathroom. 37% percent of respondents said they often make note of where to find bathrooms before they leave home for a work commute or event and some respondents recalled having to use the bathroom in the middle of a business deal or during important holiday events.

The data provided insight into the prevalence of frequent urination, the feelings associated with it, the ways in which it negatively impacts the quality of life, and the need to increase conversations around this very common condition and its treatment options.

Tuba: What will be the approximate cost for this therapy, and is this therapy covered by insurance? How does this compare to other treatment options?

Ron Morton: The Rezūm Therapy procedure is considered a covered benefit by Medicare and most private insurance payers. Cost is dependent on each individual’s insurance provider and benefits package, so I encourage patients to check with their insurance provider to understand their financial obligations.

Source: Freepik

About Author:

Ron Morton is the Chief Medical Officer and Vice President of Medical Affairs, UroPH at Boston Scientific. Morton holds a BA in natural sciences from Johns Hopkins University and received his medical doctorate from The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He has board certification as a diplomat, American Board of Urology.