2nd International Prostatitis Collaborative Network (IPCN)
Bethesda, MD, November 3-5, 1999

J. Curtis Nickel MD

1st IPCN Meeting

The First International Prostatitis Collaborative Network (IPCN) met in Washington DC in November 1998 to determine the feasibility of developing an international collaborative network of researchers, supported by patient advocacy groups, and industry. The participants of the first IPCN meeting reviewed the new NIH definition and classification of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) that were developed at the pivotal Prostatitis Workshop convened by the NIH in December 1995. The definition and classification system was confirmed as the optimal approach to define this syndrome in both research studies and clinical practice (1) and Consensus Guidelines for Future Research in CP/CPPS were developed (2).

NIH-CPCRN

The NIH Chronic Prostatitis Collaborative Network (CPCRN) consists of six North American Research Centers including Northwestern University in Chicago, Harvard University in Boston, University of Maryland in Baltimore, University of California at Los Angeles, Temple University in Philadelphia, and Queen’s University in Kingston, Canada and a data coordinating center at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. The CPCRN has developed, validated, and published a CP/CPPS outcome index (3), the Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI). The group also has developed and instituted the Chronic Prostatitis Cohort (CPC) study. Over 300 patients have been enrolled in the 3-year study during its first year. A Control Population Study, similar to the CPC, has been instituted and will be completed in 2000. A multi-center socio-economic study is presently underway. The first NIH funded randomized placebo controlled study in prostatitis is scheduled to begin later in 2000.

2nd IPCN Meeting

The Second IPCN, sponsored jointly by the NIH and the Prostatitis Foundation, was held in Bethesda Maryland November 3-5, 1999. More than a hundred prostatitis researchers (representing almost a dozen countries), patients, and industry representatives participated. The most important aspects of CP/CPPS discussed at the meeting are described:

Original Research Presentations

Forty-four abstracts, accepted for poster/podium presentation, were grouped as epidemiology, etiology, or treatment-related. Many of these studies will be presented at the American Urological Association, European Urological Association and national urological meetings over the next year. It is antipated that this body of research will be published over the next year or two and will dramatically change the landscape of prostatitis research.

State of the Art

Epidemiology: Prostatitis is a very important and common medical condition. It is one of the most common conditions seen by urologists, with an estimated prevalence of between 5-9% of men at risk.

Etiology: The etiology of CP/CPPS is unknown. There is evidence that the following mechanisms may be involved: microbial, immunological, neurological, chemical, psychological, physical and anatomic factors.

Treatment: The major treatments for CP/CPPS appear to be antimicrobials, alpha-blockers, anti-inflammatories, phytotherapies, heat therapy, and various kinds of physical therapies, but there is a real paucity of evidence in the form of well-designed randomized placebo (or sham) controlled studies in the literature to support one treatment over another.

Committees: An important aspect of the 2nd IPCN meeting was the breakout working groups that collaboratively decided on a strategy for further endeavors in the fields of education, funding, etiology, and treatment for CP/CPPS. The work of these committees will influence the direction of research in prostatitis for the next decade.

Summary

The creation of the International Prostatitis Collaborative Network will stimulate research and funding in the field, disseminate the results of subsequent research to the international research community, allow patients a voice in developing and supporting research in the field, and educate industry as to the potential of this large untapped patient market. For those interested in prostatitis, the 3rd IPCN meeting is scheduled for October 23-25 in Washington DC.

References:

1. Krieger JN, Nyberg L, Nickel JC: NIH Consensus Definition and Classification of Prostatitis. JAMA 282:236-237, 1999.

2. Nickel JC, Nyberg L, Hennennfent M: Research Guidelines for Chronic Prostatitis: A Consensus Report from the First National Institutes of Health-International Prostatitis Collaborative Network (NIH-IPCN) Urology 54: 229-233, 1999.

3. Litwin SM, McNaughton-Collins M, Fowler FJ, Nickel JC, et al: The NIH Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI): Development and Validation of a New Outcomes Measure. J Urol, 162:369-375, 1999.