Topical Mitomycin C 0.04% in an Alternative Week Dosing Schedule for the Treatment of Conjunctival and Corneal Epithelial Dysplasia and Neoplasia

Abstract

Abstract: : Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy and tolerance of topical mitomycin C 0.04% in an alternating week dosing regimen for the treatment of conjunctival and corneal epithelial dysplasia and neoplasia. Methods: Eight patients with biopsy proven conjunctival and corneal epithelial dysplasia or neoplasia were treated with topical mitomycin C 0.04% drops four times a day for seven days in an alternating week dosing regimen. Four patients with primary and four patients with recurrent lesions were treated. Clinical observations were made at two or four week intervals to assess response to and tolerance of therapy. If the lesion had not regressed completely, an additional course of drops was prescribed until complete regression was achieved. Results: Topical mitomycin C 0.04% treatment resulted in complete regression of lesions in all patients except one. The number of courses of therapy required to achieve disease control ranged from two to five. The follow-up period ranged from seven to 31 months. The treatment was tolerated well without serious side effects. Conclusion: We conclude that topical mitomycin C 0.04% in an alternative week dosing schedule was successful in the treatment of primary and recurrent conjunctival and corneal epithelial dysplasia and neoplasia. Our study provides additional evidence that alternating week therapy at a maximal tolerated dose of topical mitomycin C is safe and effective and adheres to basic principles of chemotherapeutics.

Keywords: 496 oncology • 365 conjunctiva