Topical 0.002% mitomycin C for the treatment of conjunctival-corneal intraepithelial neoplasia and squamous cell carcinoma

Purpose: To demonstrate the efficacy of topical 0.002% mitomycin C (MMC) as an adjunctive and alternative treatment in primary and recurrent conjunctival-corneal intraepithelial neoplasia (CCIN) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Methods: The medical records of 7 patients with histopathologically confirmed CCIN and conjunctival SCC were retrospectively reviewed. All cases were treated with topical 0.002% MMC 4 times daily. The tumor size pre- and post-treatment, clinical response, and ocular complications were evaluated. Results: The mean age of the patients was 56 +/- 13.4 years. The most common presenting symptom was foreign body sensation (57.1%) with a mean duration of 2.3 +/- 3.8 months. Six patients had pathologically proven CCIN (85.7%) and 1 had SCC (14.3%). Before MMC treatment, 6 eyes (85.7%) had recurrences after surgical excision. The tumor-free period ranged from 2 to 19 months. Two patients had multiple recurrences. MMC 0.002% 4 times daily was applied for a period of 5.4 +/- 4.4 weeks (range, 2-14). All had complete tumor regression as observed clinically and confirmed by impression cytology. Side effects of MMC therapy included ocular irritation, mild conjunctival hyperemia, and punctate keratopathy. There were no serious complications detected. The mean follow-up time was 30.7 +/- 15 months (range, 2-52) with no evidence of clinical recurrence in any case. Conclusions: Topical 0.002% MMC showed a favorable outcome as an adjunctive and alternative treatment of CCIN and SCC with regression of primary and recurrent tumors.