Regression of presumed primary conjunctival and corneal intraepithelial neoplasia with topical interferon alpha-2b.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate topical interferon alpha-2b (IFNalpha2b) as a lone therapy in the treatment of primary conjunctival and corneal intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN).


METHODS
Noncomparative, prospective, interventional case series. Seven patients from three institutions, treated between February and October 1999, with presumed primary CIN lesions (clinically diagnosed by corneal specialists) were given topical IFNalpha2b drops (1 million units/mL) four to six times daily. Follow-up was performed biweekly until there was complete clinical resolution of the presumed CIN lesions. Patients were to continue topical IFNalpha2b drops for 1 month after clinical resolution. Patient charts and clinical photographs were reviewed, and data were analyzed.


RESULTS
All seven eyes had complete resolution of the presumed CIN lesions after an average of 77.0 +/- 59.2 days (range, 28-188 days). Average posttreatment follow up was 12.4 +/- 2.5 months (range, 9-16 months). No patients were lost to follow-up. No recurrences have yet been seen. Side effects of treatment were limited to mild conjunctival hyperemia and follicular conjunctivitis in four (57.1%) eyes. In all cases, there was total resolution of conjunctival hyperemia and follicular changes within 1 month after cessation of the medication, without additional treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
Topical IFNalpha2b alone may be an effective treatment of primary CIN. It appears to be a safe alternative to radiation, intralesional IFNalpha2b injection, and surgical excision with cryotherapy. Larger population studies with longer follow-up are recommended to better assess the risk of recurrence and other possible adverse effects.
Schechter
Barry A
BA
Rand Eye Institute, Pompano Beach, Florida 33064, USA.
Schrier
Amilia
A
Nagler
Robert S
RS
Smith
Edward F
EF
Velasquez
Gabriel E
GE
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002278:Carcinoma in Situ / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003230:Conjunctival Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003316:Corneal Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005134:Eye Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D012074:Remission Induction; D012449:Safety
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D011994:Recombinant Proteins