Antimetabolites in ocular surface neoplasia

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 20, 2026

Anterior High-Resolution Optical Coherence Tomography in the Diagnosis and Therapeutic Monitoring of Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasia
06:15

Anterior High-Resolution Optical Coherence Tomography in the Diagnosis and Therapeutic Monitoring of Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasia

Published on: August 9, 2024

P A Majmudar1, R J Epstein

  • 1Department of Ophthalmology, Cornea Service, Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.

Current Opinion in Ophthalmology
|July 1, 1999
PubMed

Insights

Ocular surface squamous neoplasia can be treated with antimetabolites like mitomycin C and 5-fluorouracil when surgery is not an option. This review covers recent advances in antimetabolite therapy for these rare eye tumors.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Malignant neoplasms of the ocular surface are rare.
  • These include squamous and melanocytic tumors.
  • Surgical excision is the primary treatment, considered the gold standard.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review major publications on antimetabolite use in ocular surface neoplasia.
  • To highlight recent contributions to ophthalmic literature regarding these treatments.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of major publications.
  • Focus on antimetabolites such as mitomycin C and 5-fluorouracil.
  • Analysis of their use in ocular surface squamous neoplasia.

Main Results:

  • Antimetabolites are effective adjunctive treatments when surgery is not feasible.
  • Mitomycin C and 5-fluorouracil have gained recent attention.
  • The review synthesizes current knowledge on their application.

Conclusions:

  • Antimetabolites offer a viable alternative or adjunct to surgery for ocular surface neoplasia.
  • Further research and clinical application of these agents are supported.
  • This review provides an update on antimetabolite therapy in ophthalmology.

Related Concept Videos

Ophthalmic Drug Delivery Systems01:23

Ophthalmic Drug Delivery Systems

Ophthalmic drug delivery faces major limitations due to poor absorption across the corneal membrane. This process is primarily driven by diffusion and is influenced by two main factors: the physicochemical properties of the drug and tear drainage. Most ophthalmic drugs, such as pilocarpine, epinephrine, atropine, and local anesthetics, are weak bases. They are typically formulated at an acidic pH to enhance chemical stability. However, this leads to high ionization, reducing their ability to...
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment01:27

Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment

In open-angle glaucoma, the iridocorneal angle remains open, but the trabecular meshwork becomes stiff, slowing down the outflow of aqueous humor. This causes a buildup of aqueous humor in the anterior chamber, leading to a sudden increase in intraocular pressure. The treatment for open-angle glaucoma focuses on reducing the elevated intraocular pressure by either decreasing the secretion of aqueous humor or increasing its outflow.
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
Drugs that Destabilize Microtubules01:10

Drugs that Destabilize Microtubules

Microtubules are dynamic structures and can be regulated by microtubule targeting agents (MTAs). Microtubule destabilizing drugs are a class of MTAs that destabilize and prevent microtubules' polymerization. Both natural and synthetic chemicals can be found under this class of drugs. Vincristine and vinblastine, two vinca alkaloids, and colchicine were among the first to be discovered. These drugs can affect cells in various ways, either by inducing a change in cell morphology, preventing...
Antiviral Nucleoside Inhibitors01:22

Antiviral Nucleoside Inhibitors

Antiviral Nucleoside InhibitorsAntiviral nucleoside inhibitors are structural analogs of natural nucleosides that interfere with viral DNA or RNA synthesis. These compounds selectively target viral polymerases due to their resemblance to host nucleosides, thereby disrupting viral genome replication.Mechanism of Acyclovir ActionAcyclovir is a guanosine analog with a three-carbon acyclic side chain. It selectively targets herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2),...
Drugs that Stabilize Microtubules01:15

Drugs that Stabilize Microtubules

Microtubules are dynamic structures that undergo cycles of catastrophe and rescue. The microtubules play a central role in cell division by forming the spindle apparatus for segregating the chromosomes. This makes them ideal targets for regulating dividing cells in tumors and malignant cancer cells. Microtubule stabilizing drugs help stabilize the microtubule formation and promote its polymerization. Paclitaxel was the first microtubule stabilizing agent used as anticancer drug in chemotherapy...