An update in the management of ocular surface squamous neoplasia

Abstract

Introduction: Management of ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN) has been a matter of debate among ocular oncologists. While surgical excision with tissue biopsy has been the gold standard, topical chemotherapy with agents such as interferon-α2b, 5-fluorouracil, and mitomycin C, as well as less invasive diagnostic modalities, are becoming increasingly popular. Areas covered: This report provides a comprehensive review of recent data and addresses the key controversies in the management of OSSN. A MEDLINE database search was performed using the keywords ‘ocular surface squamous neoplasia,’ ‘conjunctival intraepithelial neoplasia,’ ‘conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma,’ ‘corneal intraepithelial neoplasia,’ ‘CIN,’ and ‘OSSN.’ All resulting articles published in English until December 2020 were then reviewed for pertinent references. Expert opinion: Although tissue biopsy remains the gold standard for the diagnosis and management of OSSN, the advent of new and sophisticated imaging modalities is likely to change the approach to OSSN diagnosis for the majority of patients, while the use of topical chemotherapeutic and immunotherapeutic agents may become the mainstay of treatment. © 2021 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group