Treatment of conjunctival and corneal intraepithelial neoplasia with topical interferon alpha-2b.

Abstract

To evaluate the role of topical interferon alfa-2b (IFNalpha2b) in the treatment of conjunctival and corneal intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). Noncomparative case series. Five patients with histologically proven CIN or recurrences of proven CIN were studied prospectively. After histologic confirmation, patients were given topical recombinant IFNalpha2b (INTRON A, Schering Plough, Kenilworth, NJ) 1 million IU/ml four times a day. Patients were continued on interferon until complete resolution of the tumor had occurred. Patients were followed clinically and photographically for evidence of tumor resolution. All patients had complete resolution of the CIN lesion on IFNalpha2b. The mean time to clinical resolution was 11.6 weeks (range, 4-22 weeks). The mean follow-up was 17.6 months (range, 7-28 months). One patient had a clinical recurrence of his corneal CIN 1 year after tumor resolution. This patient was retreated, resulting in clinical resolution within 6 weeks, and has been tumor free for 8 months of follow-up.