Topical Interferon α-2b as a Single Therapy for Primary Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasia.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of topical interferon α-2b (IFNα2b) as a single therapy for primary ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN).

METHODS: Medical records of 24 eyes of 24 patients with primary OSSN were reviewed retrospectively. The diagnosis of OSSN was primarily based on the slit-lamp examination. All cases were treated with topical IFNα2b (1 million IU/mL) 4 times daily. The duration of treatment, tumor response, adverse effects, and number of vials of topical IFNα2b were noted. Complete response was defined as total disappearance of lesions.

RESULTS: The complete remission of the tumor was observed in 22 patients (91.6%). Two patients (8.3%) did not respond to the treatment. The mean age was 62.44 ± 13.65 years (range, 50-92 years). The mean follow-up period was 18.81 ± 3.81 months (range, 14-22 months). The median greatest linear dimension was 6 mm (range, 5.2-12 mm). In all successful remissions, the median time to lesion resolution was 3.25 months. Adverse effects of topical IFNα2b included spontaneous intratumoral bleeding after 3 weeks of topical therapy in 1 patient. No long-term complication or recurrence was found at the end of the follow-up period.

CONCLUSIONS: Topical IFNα2b is effective and safe as a single therapy in the management of primary OSSN with minimal self-limited adverse effects. It may provide the least invasive way of treating OSSN.