Topical Interferon Alfa-2b for Management of Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasia in 23 Cases

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of topical interferon alfa-2b in the management of ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN).Methods: Clinically visible OSSN in 20 patients (23 tumors) was managed with topical interferon alfa-2b, 1 million IU/mL, 4 times daily. Tumor control and complications were evaluated according to American Joint Committee on Cancer classification.Results: Complete tumor resolution was achieved in 19 tumors (83%) following topical interferon alfa-2b treatment for a median period of 6 months (mean, 7 months; range, 1-12 months) and maintained for up to 24 months of follow-up. Of the 4 tumors with partial resolution (17%), tumor surface area was reduced 44% (median) during 4 months (median) without further response and alternative therapy was used. Based on American Joint Committee on Cancer classification, complete control was achieved in 2 of 3 Tis (67%), 17 of 20 T3 (85%), 19 of 23 N0 (83%), and 19 of 23 M0 (83%) category tumors. Tumors involving the cornea responded earlier compared with those without corneal involvement (P=.01). Initial tumor size did not correlate with time to response (P=.27). Recurrence was noted in 1 case (Tis, 4%) at 3 months. Adverse effects included conjunctival hyperemia (2 [10%]), follicular hypertrophy (2 [10%]), giant papillary conjunctivitis (1 [5%]), irritation (1 [5%]), corneal epithelial defect (1 [5%]), and flulike symptoms (1 [5%]); all resolved within 1 month of medication discontinuation. Conclusion:According to American Joint Committee on Cancer classification, complete control with topical interferon alfa-2b can be achieved in 67% of Tis, 85% of T3, and 83% of all OSSN.

Current Practice in the Treatment of Epithelial and Melanocytic Tumours with Interferon-α2b: A Survey of Tertiary Eye Centres in Germany

“…The survey demonstrates that IFN- α 2b has been used by many tertiary eye centres in Germany, mainly in treating OSSN and, to a lesser extent, melanocytic tumours. This is in line with the current evidence 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 . Twenty-five percent of respondents reported a preference for IFN- α 2b as the first-line cytostatic agent and approximately a third prescribed it to more than half of their patients with OSSN.…”

Current Practice in the Treatment of Epithelial and Melanocytic Tumours with Interferon-α2b: A Survey of Tertiary Eye Centres in Germany

“…The survey demonstrates that IFN- α 2b has been used by many tertiary eye centres in Germany, mainly in treating OSSN and, to a lesser extent, melanocytic tumours. This is in line with the current evidence 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 . Twenty-five percent of respondents reported a preference for IFN- α 2b as the first-line cytostatic agent and approximately a third prescribed it to more than half of their patients with OSSN.…”

Clinicodemographic profile and treatment outcome in patients of ocular surface squamous neoplasia

“…The percentage of OSSN presenting in stage T2 reported in other studies varies from 0% to 7%. [ 27 28 ] Hence, we agree with other authors that the current staging system needs to be modified.…”

Treatment outcome with interferon alpha 2b in ocular surface squamous neoplasia

“…IFNα2b is extremely well tolerated with few reported side effects such as ocular irritation, photophobia, follicular conjunctivitis, punctate keratitis, and corneal epithelial defects. [ 8 12 13 14 19 21 24 25 ] Flu-like symptoms are often reported in patients receiving perilesional IFNα2b, as also seen in our patients. [ 7 13 ] Two patients developed severe acute ocular surface congestion of the eye within 1 week of commencement of topical IFNα2b eye drops, for which the IFNα2b therapy had to be discontinued.…”

Current Practice in the Treatment of Epithelial and Melanocytic Tumours with Interferon-α2b: A Survey of Tertiary Eye Centres in Germany

“…The survey demonstrates that IFN- α 2b has been used by many tertiary eye centres in Germany, mainly in treating OSSN and, to a lesser extent, melanocytic tumours. This is in line with the current evidence 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 . Twenty-five percent of respondents reported a preference for IFN- α 2b as the first-line cytostatic agent and approximately a third prescribed it to more than half of their patients with OSSN.…”

Clinicodemographic profile and treatment outcome in patients of ocular surface squamous neoplasia

“…The percentage of OSSN presenting in stage T2 reported in other studies varies from 0% to 7%. [ 27 28 ] Hence, we agree with other authors that the current staging system needs to be modified.…”

Treatment outcome with interferon alpha 2b in ocular surface squamous neoplasia

“…IFNα2b is extremely well tolerated with few reported side effects such as ocular irritation, photophobia, follicular conjunctivitis, punctate keratitis, and corneal epithelial defects. [ 8 12 13 14 19 21 24 25 ] Flu-like symptoms are often reported in patients receiving perilesional IFNα2b, as also seen in our patients. [ 7 13 ] Two patients developed severe acute ocular surface congestion of the eye within 1 week of commencement of topical IFNα2b eye drops, for which the IFNα2b therapy had to be discontinued.…”

Current Practice in the Treatment of Epithelial and Melanocytic Tumours with Interferon-α2b: A Survey of Tertiary Eye Centres in Germany

“…The survey demonstrates that IFN- α 2b has been used by many tertiary eye centres in Germany, mainly in treating OSSN and, to a lesser extent, melanocytic tumours. This is in line with the current evidence 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 . Twenty-five percent of respondents reported a preference for IFN- α 2b as the first-line cytostatic agent and approximately a third prescribed it to more than half of their patients with OSSN.…”

Clinicodemographic profile and treatment outcome in patients of ocular surface squamous neoplasia

“…The percentage of OSSN presenting in stage T2 reported in other studies varies from 0% to 7%. [ 27 28 ] Hence, we agree with other authors that the current staging system needs to be modified.…”

Treatment outcome with interferon alpha 2b in ocular surface squamous neoplasia

“…IFNα2b is extremely well tolerated with few reported side effects such as ocular irritation, photophobia, follicular conjunctivitis, punctate keratitis, and corneal epithelial defects. [ 8 12 13 14 19 21 24 25 ] Flu-like symptoms are often reported in patients receiving perilesional IFNα2b, as also seen in our patients. [ 7 13 ] Two patients developed severe acute ocular surface congestion of the eye within 1 week of commencement of topical IFNα2b eye drops, for which the IFNα2b therapy had to be discontinued.…”