Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: To evaluate the role of topical interferon alpha–2b in the adjuvant treatment of corneal and conjunctival tumors. Methods: Non–comparative, prospective, interventional case series. Seven patients with histologically proven conjunctival intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and one patient with papilloma were given adjuvant local therapy with interferon (IFN) alpha–2b eye drops 5 x times a day, over 6 weeks (1 Million IU/ml Intron A, Schering) after primary excision and defect covering with amnion membrane. In situ hybridisation technique was used to search for the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) in the cases of CIN. Small meshed follow–up was undertaken clinically and photographically for evidence of tumor recurrence. Results: In period of follow–up (2–19 months, November 2004) no clinical evidence of recurrence could be recorded, with only limited treatment side effects like mild conjunctival hyperemia after six weeks of interferon. Other than reported by Scott et al. HPV 16/18 could be detected in only one CIN specimen of our CIN patient collective. Conclusions: The combination of excisional biopsy and topical interferon alpha–2b application seems to be an effective and safe treatment of the epithelial tumors of the ocular surface (CIN and papilloma). We prefer this combined treatment to topical interferon alpha–2b treatment alone, more destructive approaches like radiation and cryotherapy or treatment with antimetabolites like 5–fluorouracill or mitomycin C.
Keywords: tumors • conjunctiva • anterior segment