Peyronie's disease: perspectives on therapeutic targets.

INTRODUCTION: Peyronie's disease (PD) is an acquired benign connective tissue disorder of the penis, characterized by the development of fibrotic plaques, that can cause different degrees of bending, narrowing or shortening. Medical treatment for PD remains a major challenge. Impressive progress in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of PD pathogenesis has uncovered several promising molecular targets for antifibrotic treatments. AREAS COVERED: This review covers the literature pertaining to the exploration of therapeutic targets for PD. The search included: i) a MEDLINE search from 1941 to January 2011, limited to English-language medical literature, ii) relevant abstracts from 2009 and 2010, iii) relevant textbooks and iv) a pipeline search for therapeutics in development. EXPERT OPINION: Rapid translational research depends on our ability to develop rational therapies targeted to penile tunical fibrosis, which necessitate a sound knowledge of the biology, biochemistry and the physiological role of fibroblasts, myofibroblasts and stem cells in PD. Much remains to be learned about the pathogenesis of PD. Although there are many interesting therapeutic targets, we are confronted with some questions when identifying new targets, or when validating potential therapeutic options.