Pegylated interferon alpha 2b for treatment of ocular surface squamous neoplasia: a pilot study.
OBJECTIVE
To conduct a pilot study of pegylated interferon alpha 2b (PEGIFNalpha2b) for treatment of ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN).


METHODS
Three patients with histologically proven OSSN were studied prospectively. Patients were given subconjunctival/perilesional injections of 1 microg/kg of PEGIFNalpha2b (PEG Intron, Schering-Plough, Kenilworth, NJ) until the tumor resolved. Patients were followed clinically and photographically for evidence of tumor resolution and recurrence.


RESULTS
All patients had clinical resolution of the tumor. The mean time to resolution was 47 days. During the follow-up time after resolution of the lesion (mean 41 months), one patient had disease recurrence 7 months after clinical resolution. This was successfully treated with one further injection.


CONCLUSIONS
PEGIFNalpha2b may be a viable medical alternative for the treatment of OSSN. Future studies will be needed to evaluate whether PEGIFNalpha2b is as effective as recombinant interferon alpha 2b.
Karp
Carol L
CL
Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA. ckarp@med.miami.edu
Galor
Anat
A
Lee
Yunhee
Y
Yoo
Sonia H
SH
D000082:Acetaminophen / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000368:Aged; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003230:Conjunctival Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003316:Corneal Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000188:drug therapy; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D000082:Acetaminophen; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; C417083:peginterferon alfa-2b