Pegylated Interferon Alpha 2a for the Treatment of Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasia

Cornea. 2022 Oct 1;41(10):1271-1275. doi: 10.1097/ICO.0000000000003086. Epub 2022 Jul 4.

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to introduce the initial experience in the use of topical pegylated interferon alpha 2a (PegIFN-α-2a) for ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN).

Methods: A retrospective medical record review of 8 eyes of 8 patients diagnosed with OSSN and treated with PegIFN-α-2a was performed. All cases were diagnosed of noninvasive OSSN both clinically and histologically. The pegIFN-α-2a was prescribed at a concentration of 20 μg/mL and applied 4 times a day for at least 3 months.

Results: In all 8 cases, topical PegIFN-α-2a was well-tolerated and did not lead to discomfort or any adverse side effects. It resulted in reduction in lesion size and extent in all cases and complete resolution of the lesions.

Conclusions: Topical PegIFN-α-2a might be an effective and safe treatment option for noninvasive OSSN.

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell* / drug therapy
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell* / pathology
  • Conjunctival Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Conjunctival Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Corneal Diseases* / pathology
  • Humans
  • Interferon alpha-2 / therapeutic use
  • Interferon-alpha / adverse effects
  • Polyethylene Glycols / therapeutic use
  • Retrospective Studies

Substances

  • Interferon alpha-2
  • Interferon-alpha
  • Polyethylene Glycols