This study will evaluate the effectiveness of erythropoietin versus placebo in the recovery of erectile function in patients undergoing bilateral nerve-sparing radical retropubic prostatectomy for prostate cancer.

Recent laboratory findings suggest, that erythropoietin may play a role in protection of the cavernous nerves during surgery. Some degree of nerve trauma occurs during bilateral nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy, but for most it is temporary. Erythropoietin will be studied as an investigational drug for enhancement of erectile function postoperatively.

To be eligible for this study you must:

•Be between the ages of 40 and 59
•Have localized prostate cancer
•Be scheduled to have a bilateral nerve sparing radical prostatectomy at Johns Hopkins Hospital
•Have intact erectile function
•Have a sexual partner of at least 6 months


The length of the study is 12 months and involves receiving a dose of study drug or placebo on the day before surgery, the day of surgery, and the day following surgery. The study will also require the completion of questionnaires which will be mailed every three months until study completion.

Arthur L. Burnett, M.D.

Irene Trueheart, R.N.

Arthur L. Burnett, M.D.

Irene Trueheart, R.N.