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

Abstract

To evaluate the role of combined subconjunctival and topical interferon alfa-2b (IFN alpha 2b) in the treatment of conjunctival and corneal intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). Noncomparative case series. Six patients with histologically proven CIN or recurrences of histologically proven CIN were studied prospectively. Patients were given a single subconjunctival/perilesional injection of recombinant IFN alpha 2b (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. Patients were followed clinically and photographically for evidence of tumor resolution. The authors present a series of six patients who were treated successfully with a combination of subconjunctival/perilesional and topical IFN alpha 2b. 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. IFN alpha 2b may be a viable medical alternative to surgical excision for primary or recurrent CIN.