Treatment of conjunctival papillomata with topical interferon Alfa-2b

Am J Ophthalmol. 2002 Aug;134(2):268-70. doi: 10.1016/s0002-9394(02)01514-3.

Abstract

Purpose: Two patients with biopsy-proven conjunctival papillomata exhibited complete resolution after treatment with topical Interferon Alfa-2b (IFNalpha2b).

Design: Interventional case reports.

Methods: Two patients with monocular biopsy-confirmed conjunctival papillomata were treated with IFNalpha2b, 1 million units/cc, one drop four times daily until clinical resolution was achieved.

Results: (Patient 1) The lesion's size was significantly reduced at 1 month. Complete resolution was noted at the 3-month visit. No recurrences were seen 40 months post-treatment. (Patient 2) The lesion completely resolved after 6 weeks of treatment. No recurrence has occurred 18 months post-treatment. No systemic or local side effect of treatment was noted.

Conclusions: Two sizable conjunctival papillomata resolved using topical IFNalpha2b alone. Interferon is usually not considered effective for large solid tumors without surgical debulking. We realize that this is a limited case series, but these cases may serve as a basis for further investigation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Topical
  • Antineoplastic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Biopsy
  • Child
  • Conjunctival Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Conjunctival Neoplasms / pathology
  • Humans
  • Interferon alpha-2
  • Interferon-alpha / administration & dosage
  • Interferon-alpha / therapeutic use*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Ophthalmic Solutions
  • Papilloma / drug therapy*
  • Papilloma / pathology
  • Recombinant Proteins

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Interferon alpha-2
  • Interferon-alpha
  • Ophthalmic Solutions
  • Recombinant Proteins