Erythropoietin to Enhance Erection Recovery in Men Following Radical Prostatectomy (EPO)

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patient eligibility consists of men 40 to 59 years of age

• Localized prostate cancer

  • clinical stage < T2a
  • Gleason grade < 7
  • PSA < 10
• Scheduled to undergo curative prostatectomy applying bilateral nerve-sparing procedure, with intact pre-surgical erectile function
• International Index of Erectile Function [IIEF], erectile function domain score > 26
• Otherwise meeting the following exclusion/inclusion criteria.
• The patient has a sexual partner, of at least 6 months.
• The patient's pre-surgical hematocrit is ≤ 48.
• The patient's Body Mass Index is less than 30.
• The patient answered 5-6 times or greater to question #6 on the IIEF.

Exclusion Criteria:

• The patient has known penile deformity or a history of Peyronie's disease.
• The patient has had pre or post operative androgen therapy.
• The patient has had pre or post operative radiation therapy.
• The patient is on anticoagulation therapy.
• The patient has a history of sickle cell anemia.
• The patient has a history of high or low blood pressure that is not controlled.
• The patient is taking medications called "nitrates"
• The patient has a history of heart problems such as angina, heart failure, irregular heartbeats, or myocardial infarction
• The patient has a history of history of drug or alcohol abuse.
• The patient currently smokes or has a 20 pack/year history of cigarette smoking.
• The patient has a history of acute or chronic depression
• The patient has a history of diabetes, liver problems, or kidney problems.
• The patient has a history of retinitis pigmentosa or severe vision loss, including a condition called NAION.
• The patient has a history of spinal trauma or surgery to the brain or spinal cord.
• The patient has contraindications to the use of PDE 5 inhibitors.
• The patient is currently participating in another clinical investigation