ESCRS - PO992 - Potential Efficacy Of Interferon Eye Drops In Treating Conjunctival Squamous Cell Carcinoma In Even In Immunocompromised Patients.

Potential Efficacy Of Interferon Eye Drops In Treating Conjunctival Squamous Cell Carcinoma In Even In Immunocompromised Patients.

Published 2025 - 43rd Congress of the ESCRS

Reference: PO992 | Type: Poster | DOI: 10.82333/sqv7-0255

Authors: Paula Alonso* 1 , Carlos Llorente la Orden 1 , Yolanda Poza Morales 1 , Martin Puchol Rizo 2 , Fatima Sánchez Carnerero 1 , Esther Mata 1 , Almudena Acero 1 , Eva Fernández Gutiérrez 3 , Carlos De Pablo 1

1Hospital central de la Cruz roja San José y Santa Adela ,Madrid,Spain, 2Hospital 12 de Octubre,Madrid,Spain, 3Hospital Ramon y Cajal,Madrid,Spain

Purpose

Conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is more prevalent in immunocompromised patients, posing therapeutic challenges. This case highlights the successful use of interferon eye drops in an immunocompromised 71-year-old male with ankylosing spondylitis treated with adalimumab, demonstrating its efficacy despite not being the gold standard for this population

Setting

A ophthalmology center managed the case. The patient, with a history of ankylosing spondylitis on adalimumab, presented with a 3mm conjunctival SCC involving the limbus and 1mm corneal invasion

Methods

Descriptive

Results

A 71-year-old male with ankylosing spondylitis on adalimumab was diagnosed with conjunctival SCC in October 2023. The lesion involved the limbus (3mm) and cornea (1mm). Interferon eye drops were initiated in November 2023 as a non-surgical treatment option. Despite initial concerns about efficacy in immunocompromised patients, the lesion began regressing by September 2024 and completely resolved within one month. No adverse effects were reported, and the patient remained recurrence-free at follow-up.

Conclusions

This case underscores the potential efficacy of interferon eye drops in treating conjunctival SCC, even in immunocompromised patients. While not the gold standard, interferon may be a viable alternative, particularly for patients unsuitable for surgical intervention. Further studies are warranted to explore its role in this population.