Abstract
BACKGROUND:To evaluate the role of interferon alpha 2b (IFNα2b) in the management of primary/recurrent cases of ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN).METHODOLOGY:Medical records of 27 OSSN cases managed with IFNα2b (topical drops and/or perilesional injection) in 1 year were retrospectively reviewed.RESULTS:The median age of presentation was 60 years with a male: female ratio of 3.5:1. American Joint Commission on Cancer tumor grading was T1 in 1 eye (3.7%) and T3 in 26 eyes (96.3%). Eighteen cases were treated with topical drops (1 million IU/ml), 4 cases with perilesional subconjunctival injection (3–6 million IU/ml), and 5 cases with combined therapy. Overall, treatment response was seen in 88% cases. Complete regression was achieved in 80% cases. Median time to complete regression of tumor was 3 months (range 1–11 months) in cases treated with topical interferon therapy and 2.5 months (range 0.7–3 months) in cases managed with injections or a combination of the two. The mean duration of follow-up was 24 months. All cases with partial/no response showed complete regression on subsequent management with topical mitomycin C. None of the patients required surgery. Acute ocular surface congestion was seen in two patients necessitating discontinuation of therapy.CONCLUSION:In view of excellent treatment outcome and few side-effects, interferons can be considered as a primary, safe, and cost-effective treatment option for OSSN not only in tertiary centers but also by peripheral ophthalmologists.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call