Treatment of conjunctival and corneal intraepithelial neoplasia with topical interferon alpha-2b

Ophthalmology. 2001 Jun;108(6):1093-8. doi: 10.1016/s0161-6420(01)00577-2.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the role of topical interferon alfa-2b (IFNalpha2b) in the treatment of conjunctival and corneal intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN).

Design: Noncomparative case series.

Participants: Five patients with histologically proven CIN or recurrences of proven CIN were studied prospectively.

Intervention: After histologic confirmation, patients were given topical recombinant IFNalpha2b (INTRON A, Schering Plough, Kenilworth, NJ) 1 million IU/ml four times a day. Patients were continued on interferon until complete resolution of the tumor had occurred.

Main outcome measures: Patients were followed clinically and photographically for evidence of tumor resolution.

Results: All patients had complete resolution of the CIN lesion on IFNalpha2b. The mean time to clinical resolution was 11.6 weeks (range, 4-22 weeks). The mean follow-up was 17.6 months (range, 7-28 months). One patient had a clinical recurrence of his corneal CIN 1 year after tumor resolution. This patient was retreated, resulting in clinical resolution within 6 weeks, and has been tumor free for 8 months of follow-up.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Topical
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Carcinoma in Situ / drug therapy*
  • Carcinoma in Situ / pathology
  • Conjunctival Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Conjunctival Neoplasms / pathology
  • Corneal Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Corneal Diseases / pathology
  • Eye Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Eye Neoplasms / pathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interferon alpha-2
  • Interferon-alpha / therapeutic use*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local
  • Ophthalmic Solutions
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Interferon alpha-2
  • Interferon-alpha
  • Ophthalmic Solutions
  • Recombinant Proteins