Platelet-rich plasma, shockwave therapy show therapeutic efficacy in interstitial cystitis

31 Jul 2026, 19:40 · Medical Xpress

by Elana Gotkine

Alexander Pol

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For patients with interstitial cystitis (IC)/bladder pain syndrome (BPS), the combination of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy (LI-ESWT) shows therapeutic efficacy, according to a study recently published in Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology.

Cheng-Yu Long, from Kaohsiung Medical University in Taiwan, and colleagues performed LI-ESWT once a week for eight weeks in 25 female patients diagnosed with IC/BPS. In weeks 1, 5 and 9, high-dose PRP injections were administered. Baseline and one- and six-month posttreatment assessments were performed, including validated questionnaires and voiding diaries. At baseline and six-month follow-up, urodynamic studies were conducted.

The researchers identified an 80% efficacy rate. At the one-month follow-up, there were significant improvements in the visual analog scale, Overactive Bladder Symptom Score, Urinary Distress Inventory-6, Incontinence Impact Questionnaire and Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification System. At the six-month follow-up, there was significant improvement only in the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire.

Significant differences were seen in maximum cystometric capacity during examination of urodynamic parameters at six-month follow-up. Based on voiding diaries, at the one-month follow-up, there was significant improvement in number of urinations, voided volume and maximum volume; at the six-month follow-up, only maximum volume showed significant improvement. At both one- and six-month follow-ups, significant differences were seen in the Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Index, Interstitial Cystitis Problem Index and O'Leary-Sant Symptom Score.

"The combination of platelet-rich plasma and low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy demonstrated promising short-term efficacy in patients with IC/BPS," the authors write.

More information

Cheng-Yu Long et al, Effect of combining low intensity-extracorporeal shockwave therapy with platelet-rich plasma among female patients with interstitial cystitis: a prospective single-arm pilot study, Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology (2026). DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2026.1801578

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