Pegylated Interferon Alpha 2b for Treatment of Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasia: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Purpose: To conduct a pilot study of pegylated interferon alpha 2b (PEGIFNα2b) for treatment of ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN). Methods: Three patients with histologically proven OSSN were studied prospectively. Patients were given subconjunctival/perilesional injections of 1 μg/kg of PEGIFNα2b (PEG Intron, Schering-Plough, Kenilworth, NJ) until the tumor resolved. Patients were followed clinically and photographically for evidence of tumor resolution and recurrence. Results: All patients had clinical resolution of the tumor. The mean time to resolution was 47 days. During the follow-up time after resolution of the lesion (mean 41 months), one patient had disease recurrence 7 months after clinical resolution. This was successfully treated with one further injection. Conclusion: PEGIFNα2b may be a viable medical alternative for the treatment of OSSN. Future studies will be needed to evaluate whether PEGIFNα2b is as effective as recombinant interferon alpha 2b.