Long Term Outcomes of Topical Interferon α-2β as Primary Treatment for Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasia.

Abstract

Purpose : To assess the efficacy of topical interferon IFN α-2β(IFN) as a primary treatment for ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN) and evaluate factors that impact response to treatment and recurrence of OSSN.

Methods : A retrospective study of 127 OSSN patients treated with topical IFN(1MIU/ml) from January 2009 to June 2021. The diagnosis was based on clinical examination and anterior segment optical coherence tomography. Histologic confirmation was present in 44% of patients. Data on demographics, tumor characteristics, treatment outcome, and side effects were collected. The primary outcomes assessed were tumor resolution frequency and recurrence rate. Secondary outcomes assessed were predictive factors for resolution and recurrence and side effects of treatment.

Results : Participants were mostly older with a mean age of 69 years (SD 12.4, range 29-97), white (92%) males (76%). Complete tumor resolution was achieved in 78% of individuals with a mean time to resolution of 5 months (SD 4.4, range 1.6-36 months). On multivariable analysis, non-Hispanic ethnicity (HR: 0.48, p=0.003, 95% CI: 0.29 to 0.78) and self-reported sun exposure (HR: 0.55, p=0.02, 95% CI: 0.34-0.91) reduced the risk of tumor resolution, while a prior history of OSSN (HR: 4.26, p<0.001, 95% CI: 1.82-9.97) increased the risk of resolution. With a mean follow-up time of 36.3 months (SD 33.8, 0-124 months), the recurrence rate was 1.2%, 3.8%, and 6.2% at 1, 2, and 5 years respectively. Mild hyperemia (18.2%) and pain (12.1%) were the two most common side effects.

Conclusions : Topical IFN is a safe and effective primary treatment modality for OSSN with a reasonable side effect profile.

This abstract was presented at the 2022 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Denver, CO, May 1-4, 2022, and virtually.