Abstract
Purpose:To report the results of topical interferon alpha-2b (IFNα2b) for the treatment of ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN) with 360° limbal involvement.Methods:In a prospective observational study, five patients with biopsy proven primary or recurrent OSSN with 360° limbal involvement received topical IFNα2b (3 million IU/ml, 4 times daily) and were followed from 8 to 12 months. Outcome measures included resolution of the lesion, relief of symptoms, systemic and ocular side effects, and recurrence rate.Results:Five patients including 4 primary OSSNs and one recurrent OSSN received topical interferon alpha-2b. The mean age was 60.2 (range: 52–73) years and mean follow up duration was 10.2 months. Clinical resolution of the tumor occurred in all cases 2 months after initiation of treatment and no patient developed ocular or systemic complications. No recurrence of OSSN developed during the follow up period.Conclusion:Topical recombinant IFNα2b appears to be an effective alternative treatment for OSSN with 360° limbal involvement. This approach precludes the high risk of limbal stem cell deficiency which results from surgical excision or topical chemotherapeutic agents.
Highlights
Ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN) is the most common neoplasm of the ocular surface
Surgical excision combined with cryotherapy has been the standard treatment for OSSN
In this study we evaluate the efficacy of topical IFNα2b for treatment of 360° limbal OSSN
Summary
Ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN) is the most common neoplasm of the ocular surface. It is a slowly progressive tumor with low potential for metastasis which commonly arises from the limbus.[1] A variety of treatment options has been shown to be successful. Surgical excision combined with cryotherapy has been the standard treatment for OSSN. With or without adjunctive cryotherapy, the recurrence rate is 9% and 33%, respectively.[2,3] Excision margins are the most important factor in predicting recurrence. If the surgical margin is positive, the recurrence rate can be as high as 53%.[2]
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