Therapeutic response after first month of tadalafil treatment predicts 12 months treatment continuation in patients with erectile dysfunction: Results from the DETECT study

Introduction. The DETECT study is a prospective, 12-month, European, multicenter, observational study of patients with erectile dysfunction (ED) initiating or changing treatment to tadalafil in routine clinical practice. Aim. To determine the effectiveness of tadalafil and the factors associated with the continuation of treatment for ED at 12 months. Methods. The DETECT study included 1,900 men aged 18 years and older with a history of ED and who were initiating or changing treatment to tadalafil. Main Outcome Measures. Sexual function at baseline, 1, 6, and 12 months was assessed using the International Index of Erectile Function-erectile function (IIEF-EF) domain. Factors associated with treatment continuation at 12 months were evaluated using multivariate regression analysis. Results. At 12 months, 1,319 (84%) of 1,567 patients who completed the questionnaire reported continued use of tadalafil. Among these patients, tadalafil was highly effective: 94%, 95%, and 71% with severe, moderate, and mild ED at baseline, respectively, improved by at least one IIEF-EF category and 65%.had normal EF: Five factors were associated with tadalafil continuation at 12 months: (i) ED severity at 1 month (based on IIEF-EF domain score); (ii) tolerance to treatment at 1 month; (iii) age younger than 60 years; (iv) number of sexual attempts in the first month; and (v) no history of pelvic surgery. Patient and partner factors at baseline were not significantly associated with continued tadalafil use. Conclusions. Tadalafil is an effective treatment for ED in routine clinical practice. The therapeutic response and treatment tolerance after 1-month treatment are the most important factors influencing tadalafil continuation.