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Updated: Jun 10, 2026
Anterior High-Resolution Optical Coherence Tomography in the Diagnosis and Therapeutic Monitoring of Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasia
Published on: August 9, 2024
Pegylated interferon alpha 2b for treatment of ocular surface squamous neoplasia: a pilot study
Carol L Karp1, Anat Galor, Yunhee Lee
1Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA. ckarp@med.miami.edu
Purpose:
To conduct a pilot study of pegylated interferon alpha 2b (PEGIFNalpha2b) 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 microg/kg of PEGIFNalpha2b (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:
PEGIFNalpha2b may be a viable medical alternative for the treatment of OSSN. Future studies will be needed to evaluate whether PEGIFNalpha2b is as effective as recombinant interferon alpha 2b.
Insights
Pegylated interferon alpha 2b (PEGIFNalpha2b) shows promise for treating ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN). This pilot study found PEGIFNalpha2b effective in resolving OSSN tumors, with one recurrence successfully retreated.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN) is a premalignant or malignant epithelial tumor.
- Current treatments for OSSN include surgical excision, topical chemotherapy, and immunotherapy.
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