2008 OMIG, Abstract 2

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Subconjunctival/perilesional Recombinant Interferon Alpha 2b for Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasia:  a 10 year review
Scott D. Barnes M.D., Carol L. Karp, M.D., Sachin Chabra M.D., Anat Galor M.D., Eduardo C. Alfonso, M.D.,  Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of perilesional subconjunctival injections of recombinant interferon alpha2b (IFNα2b) for the treatment of ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN).
Methods:Retrospective study.
Results:Fifteen eyes (fourteen patients) were treated with perilesional subconjunctival IFNa2b over a ten year period (1997-2007).  Clinical resolution of the tumor occurred in 13/15 eyes.  The median number of injections was 6.0.  The median time to tumor resolution was 1.4 months (range, 0.6 to 5.7 months).  One of the fifteen eyes exhibited disease recurrence during follow up (median, 21.5 months; range 4.4-132.4 months); this occurred four months after clinical resolution.  Local side effects, including stinging and irritation, occurred in 4/15 eyes and systemic complaints, such as fever, malaise, or flu-like symptoms, occurred in 5/15 eyes.
Conclusions:  Perilesional subconjunctival injections of IFNa2b may be a viable medical alternative for the treatment of OSSN.  Future studies are needed to determine the ideal treatment regimen of IFNa2b injections.