Artikel
Adjuvant topical interferon alpha-2b-treatment for epithelial tumors of ocular surface
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Autoren
Veröffentlicht: | 22. September 2004 |
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Gliederung
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Objective
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. Eight patients with histologically proven conjunctival intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), recurrence after primary excision and defect covering with amnion membrane or squamous cell carcinoma 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). In situ-hybridisation technique was used to search for the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) in 5 cases. Small meshed follow-up was undertaken clinically and photographically for evidence of tumor recurrence.
Results
In period of follow-up (3-37 months, March 2004) no clinical evidence of recurrence with only limited treatment side effects like mild conjunctival hyperemia could be recorded after six weeks of interferon. Other than reported by Scott et al. (using PCR technique) HPV 16/18 could be detected in only one CIN specimen of our patient collective (using in situ-hybridisation technique).
Conclusions
The combination of excisional biopsy and adjuvant topical interferon alpha-2b application seems to be an effective and safe treatment of epithelial tumors of the ocular surface. This combined treatment seems to be a therapeutical option to topical interferon alpha-2b treatment alone, more destructive approaches like radiation and cryotherapy or treatment with antimetabolites like 5-fluorouracill or mitomycin C.