Rezum versus prostatic artery embolization for relieving urinary symptoms from BPH

Comparison Between Water Vapor Thermal Therapy and Prostatic Artery Embolization in Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Not applicable Interventional Ain Shams University · NCT07416227

This study will test whether Rezum (water vapor therapy) or prostatic artery embolization works better at reducing bothersome urinary symptoms in men with moderate-to-severe BPH.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages50 Years and up
SexMale
SponsorAin Shams University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Cairo, Abbassia)
Trial IDNCT07416227 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This randomized controlled trial will enroll at least 30 men with moderate-to-severe LUTS from BPH and randomize them 1:1 to receive Rezum or prostatic artery embolization using a closed-envelope system. The primary outcome is change in International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) at six months, with secondary outcomes including post-void residual, maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax), quality of life measures, and validated sexual function questionnaires. Participants will undergo baseline history, physical examination, pelvic ultrasound and scheduled follow-up visits to measure symptoms and urinary function. The trial is single-center at Ain Shams University in Cairo and will recruit over a two-year period.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are men aged 50 or older with IPSS ≥13, prostate volume 30–80 mL, Qmax ≤15 mL/sec when relevant, and symptoms not controlled by medication.

Not a fit: Patients with suspected or prior prostate cancer, previous prostate surgery or minimally invasive BPH procedures, neurological bladder dysfunction, active urinary tract infection, or prostate sizes outside the 30–80 mL range are unlikely to be eligible or to benefit from the study interventions.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the comparison could identify a minimally invasive option that improves urinary symptoms while preserving ejaculatory and overall sexual function.

How similar studies have performed: Separate studies have shown that Rezum improves symptoms and preserves sexual function, and that prostatic artery embolization can reduce prostate size and LUTS, but randomized head-to-head comparisons between these two approaches are limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age ≥50 years.
* IPSS ≥13.
* Prostate volume between 30-80 mL.
* Maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax) ≤15 mL/sec in patients with voiding LUTs.
* Patients not responding to medical treatment.

Exclusion Criteria:

* History or suspicion of prostate cancer.
* Previous prostate surgery or minimally invasive BPH intervention.
* Neurological bladder dysfunction.
* Active urinary tract infection.

Where this trial is running

Cairo, Abbassia

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia With Lower Urinary Tract SymptomsComparison between Water Vapor Thermal Therapy and Prostatic Artery Embolization in treatment of Benign Prostatic HyperplasiaRezum vs Prostatic artery embolization in the treatment of Benign prostatic hyperplasia with lower urinary tract symptoms
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.