Perilesional and topical interferon alfa-2b for conjunctival and corneal neoplasia

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the role of combined subconjunctival and topical interferon alfa-2b (IFNα2b) in the treatment of conjunctival and corneal intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). Design Noncomparative case series. Participants Six patients with histologically proven CIN or recurrences of histologically proven CIN were studied prospectively. Intervention Patients were given a single subconjunctival/perilesional injection of recombinant IFNα2b (Schering Plough, Kenilworth, NJ) 3 million international units (IU) in 0.5 ml and then started receiving topical interferon drops (1 million U/ml) four times a day. Patients were followed weekly until complete resolution of the tumor. After 1 week, patients with minimal response while receiving topical therapy were retreated with perilesional injections three times a week until resolution. Patients received topical interferon drops for a month after clinical resolution of the lesion. Main outcome measures Patients were followed clinically and photographically for evidence of tumor resolution. Results The authors present a series of six patients who were treated successfully with a combination of subconjunctival/perilesional and topical IFNα2b. All six patients had complete clinical resolution of the CIN lesion within 6 weeks of initiation of treatment. In the time of follow-up (average, 7.2 months; range, 2–11 months), there have been no treatment failures or recurrences. Conclusion IFNα2b may be a viable medical alternative to surgical excision for primary or recurrent CIN.