The Effect of Topical Interferon alpha-2b in the Treatment of Conjunctival Squamous Papilloma.

Kim, Ju Yeob; Kim, Yoon Duck

Original Article

Journal of the Korean Ophthalmological Society 2006;47(11):1729-1734.
Published online November 30, 2006.

The Effect of Topical Interferon alpha-2b in the Treatment of Conjunctival Squamous Papilloma.

¹Happy Eye Clinic, Korea.
²Department of Ophthalmology, Samsung Medical Center, School of Medicine Sungkyunkwan University2, Seoul, Korea. ydkim@smc.samsung.co.kr

결막 평편상피 유두종 환자에서 점안 인터페론의 치료 효과

김주엽¹,김윤덕²

Happy Eye Clinic¹, Department of Ophthalmology, Samsung Medical Center, School of Medicine Sungkyunkwan University², Seoul, Korea

Correspondence: Ju Yeob Kim, M.D.¹

Abstract

PURPOSE
To study the effectiveness of Interferon alfa-2b (IFN alpha 2b) for treating squamous papilloma of the conjunctiva. METHODS: One million units/cc of IFN alpha 2b was applied 4 times a day after identifying squamous papilloma by excisional biopsy. The IFN alpha 2b was used continuously 2 to 6 months after the tumor became undetectable with the unaided eye. The dose was then tapered. RESULTS: Three of the 4 patients had a history of recurrences (1-4 times). In one patient, the tumor was difficult to remove surgically due to the location of the tumor (around the upper punctum). The tumor disappeared with no complications or recurrences during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with conjunctival squamous papilloma with frequent relapses or difficulty in excision, applying IFN alpha 2b as an eye drop appears to be an effective form of therapy and can be used safely without complications.

Key Words: Interferon alfa-2b;Squamous papilloma