[Adjuvant topical interferon-alpha-2b treatment in epithelial tumors of the ocular surface].
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of topical interferon-alpha-2b in the adjuvant treatment of corneal and conjunctival tumors.


METHODS
In this noncomparative, prospective, interventional case series, five patients with histologically proven conjunctival intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) after primary excision and amniotic membrane transplantation were treated with interferon (IFN)-alpha-2b eye drops five times daily over a period of 6 weeks (1 million IU/ml Intron A, Schering). An in situ hybridization technique was used to detect human papillomavirus (HPV) in all specimens. Frequent follow-up was undertaken clinically and photographically for evidence of tumor recurrence.


RESULTS
In the follow-up period (13.2+/-4,97 months) no clinical evidence of recurrence with only limited treatment side effects such as mild conjunctival hyperemia were recorded after 6 weeks of interferon. In one CIN specimen HPV 16/18 could be detected.


CONCLUSIONS
The combination of excisional biopsy and topical interferon-alpha-2b application seems to be an effective and safe treatment for conjunctival intraepithelial neoplasias. Therefore, we prefer this combined treatment to topical interferon-alpha-2b treatment alone, more destructive approaches such as radiation and cryotherapy, or treatment with antimetabolites such as 5-fluorouracil or mitomycin C.
Fuchsluger
T A
TA
Abteilung für Erkrankungen der vorderen Augenabschnitte des Zentrums für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum, Essen. thomas@fuchsluger.net
Hintschich
C
C
Steuhl
K-P
KP
Meller
D
D
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant / Q000379:methods; D003230:Conjunctival Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000601:surgery*; D019573:Epithelium, Corneal / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013508:Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D011994:Recombinant Proteins