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Topical and injected interferon may be effective for ocular surface squamous neoplasia
Ophthal Plast Reconstr Surg. 2011;27(4):247-250.
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Interferon alpha 2b delivered both topically and by injection showed effectiveness in treating ocular surface squamous neoplasia of the socket, a small study found.
The retrospective case series included three patients, ages 60 years, 43 years and 20 years, with extensive socket ocular surface squamous neoplasia. They had worn ophthalmic prostheses for 54 year, 26 years and 13 years, respectively.
One million units/cc of interferon alpha 2b (IFNa2b) eye drops were delivered four times daily along with 5 million units/0.5 cc to 8 million units/0.8 cc by sublesional injection for tumor control.
Complete regression from the combined IFNa2b treatment was achieved in two patients, one after 1 month and the other after 20 months. Partial regression was achieved in the third patient at 9 months.
IFNa2b injection side effects included minor nausea and chills. Neither surgical removal of tumors from the socket nor exenteration was required.