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Interferon a potential treatment option for ocular surface squamous neoplasia

Ophthalmology. 2010;117(12):2241-2246.

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Interferon may be an option for patients with primary or recurrent ocular surface squamous neoplasia, according to a retrospective study.

After a median follow-up of 55 months, tumor resolution occurred in 13 of 15 eyes treated with subconjunctival injections of recombinant interferon alpha-2b, according to the study. Among these patients, the median resolution time was 1.4 months, and only one of 15 eyes exhibited disease recurrence after 4 months.

Systemic side effects included fever, malaise and flu-like symptoms in 33% of patients.

One study limitation noted by the authors was that the first cohort of patients received topical interferon drops in addition to subconjunctival injections, whereas later patients received only the injections. However, the authors found no significant differences between the two groups regarding lesion resolution time and the number of necessary injections.

Further study will be needed to "determine the ideal treatment regimen with respect to the dosing and frequency of injections and to the need for topical medication," the authors said.