title: Topical interferon alpha-2b for treatment of noninvasive ocular surface squamous neoplasia with 360° limbal involvement.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To report the results of topical interferon alpha-2b (IFNα2b) for the treatment of ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN) with 360° limbal involvement.
  
  
  METHODS
  In a prospective observational study, five patients with biopsy proven primary or recurrent OSSN with 360° limbal involvement received topical IFNα2b (3 million IU/ml, 4 times daily) and were followed from 8 to 12 months. Outcome measures included resolution of the lesion, relief of symptoms, systemic and ocular side effects, and recurrence rate.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Five patients including 4 primary OSSNs and one recurrent OSSN received topical interferon alpha-2b. The mean age was 60.2 (range: 52-73) years and mean follow up duration was 10.2 months. Clinical resolution of the tumor occurred in all cases 2 months after initiation of treatment and no patient developed ocular or systemic complications. No recurrence of OSSN developed during the follow up period.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Topical recombinant IFNα2b appears to be an effective alternative treatment for OSSN with 360° limbal involvement. This approach precludes the high risk of limbal stem cell deficiency which results from surgical excision or topical chemotherapeutic agents.
authors.affiliation: Eye Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
authors.forename: Siamak
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Zarei-Ghanavati
authors.affiliation: Eye Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
authors.forename: Reza
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Alizadeh
authors.affiliation: Jules Stein Eye Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA.
authors.forename: Sophie X
authors.initials: SX
authors.lastname: Deng
keywords: Conjunctival Intraepithelial Neoplasia; Interferon Alpha-2b; Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasia