Topical alpha-interferon in recurrent conjunctival papilloma.
OBJECTIVE
To report the effect of topical alpha-interferon (alpha-IF) in two cases of recurrent conjunctival papillomas.


METHODS
One patient with a conjunctival papilloma and one patient with a limbus-based papilloma were treated with excision and cryotherapy. Recurrences included one in situ carcinoma. Retreatment included systemic and topical alpha-IF.


RESULTS
In Case 1, the papillomas regressed with systemic alpha-IF followed by topical application of alpha-IF (2.8 x 106 U) for 1 year against recurrence. In Case 2, the papillomas disappeared with topical alpha-IF over 1 year. No recurrences were seen during follow-up (84 and 91 months, respectively). The possible side effect of topical alpha-IF was superficial keratitis. Retrospective polymerase chain reaction tests for HPV were positive and showed type 6 in Case 1 and type 33 in Case 2.


CONCLUSIONS
Topical alpha-IF can be used as adjuvant therapy in recurrent conjunctival papillomas.
de Keizer
R J W
RJ
Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands. r.j.w.de_keizer@lumc.nl
de Wolff-Rouendaal
D
D
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D003230:Conjunctival Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D005134:Eye Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D007634:Keratitis / Q000139:chemically induced; D008297:Male; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D010212:Papilloma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D016898:Interferon-alpha