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Updated: Feb 17, 2026

Author Spotlight: Anterior HR-OCT as a Non-Invasive Tool for Characterizing Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasia
Published on: August 9, 2024
Challenging Treatment of Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasia in Patients with Atopic Disease
Lily Zhang1, Carolina Mercado1, Anat Galor1,2
1a Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology , University of Miami , Miami , Florida , USA.
Purpose:
Few studies have described ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN) and its association with atopic diseases and there is no consensus on the course of OSSN in atopic patients. We thereby report three patients with atopy and OSSN.
Methods:
Retrospective case series.
Results:
Three male patients with mean age of 73 presented with OSSN and history of atopy treated with immunosuppressant therapy. Their histories included atopic dermatitis and keratoconjunctivitis. All patients had treatment complicated by multiple surgeries, recurrences, or advanced disease. The patients initially received medical treatment with topical interferon-alpha-2b (IFNα2b). However, all the patients had recurrences and required modification of treatment including topical 5-fluorouracil (5-FU).
Conclusion:
We report on three patients with a history of atopy whose OSSN presentation and course was challenging. Overall, our cases responded better to topical 5-fluorouracil compared to topical interferon-alpha-2b, but recurrences were common. These patients may benefit from more aggressive and long-term treatment.
Insights
Ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN) in patients with atopy presents challenges. Topical 5-fluorouracil showed better response than interferon-alpha-2b, though recurrences were frequent, suggesting a need for aggressive treatment.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Oncology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN) is a rare malignancy.
- The association between OSSN and atopic diseases is not well-established.
- Consensus on OSSN management in atopic patients is lacking.
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