Triethylene thiophosphoramide (thio-tepa) and pterygium.
A 1:2000 solution of a radiomimetic alkylating agent-triethylene thiophosphoramide (thio-tepa, Lederle Laboratories) with a proven inhibitory action on proliferating vascular endothelium, was used topically as an adjunct to pterygium surgery in an attempt to decrease the incidence of recurrence. A bare-sclera technique, with excision of the pterygium, was the surgical method used. Two drops of 1:2000 solution of thiotepa (15 mg in 30 cc of Ringer's solution) were applied every three hours while awake from the second postoperative day for six weeks. Twenty-six eyes received this treatment. There was one recurrence in the period of follow-up, which has been up to three years. Four fellow eyes, operated on at the same time with the same surgical technique, received no topical thio-tepa postoperatively. Two of these eyes developed a recurrence of the pterygium. No sequelae related to corneal damage, defective vision, or interference with wound healing were observed. No systemic effects were encountered. It is concluded that thio-tepa, used as described, is a safe, inexpensive and valuable aid in pterygium surgery.
Liddy
B S
BS
Sunnybrook Hospital, University of Toronto.
Morgan
J F
JF
D018906:Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D013508:Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011625:Pterygium / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000601:surgery; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D055502:Secondary Prevention; D013852:Thiotepa / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014792:Visual Acuity
D018906:Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D013852:Thiotepa