Treatment of conjunctival papillomata with topical Interferon Alfa-2b

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 con, firmed 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 I month. Complete resolution was noted at the 3-month visit. No recurrences were seen 40 months post-treatment. (Patient 2) The lesion completely re, solved 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. (C) 2002 by Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.