Interventions for squamous cell carcinoma of the conjunctiva in HIV-infected individuals

Abstract

Conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma, a tumour of the thin membrane that covers the white of the eye, is becoming more common, more aggressive, and affecting more young people, especially women. This pattern is associated with the HIV/AIDS pandemic, exposure to solar radiation, and infection with human papilloma virus (HPV). Various treatment modalities exist, but the recurrence rate is high and the cosmetic outcome of late disease unsightly. Death may occur when the disease spreads to the surrounding structures and the brain. This review was conducted to evaluate the effects of the current interventions. No randomised controlled trials of any interventions for this cancer were found. Current clinical practice appears to be based on case series and case reports. These are weak sources of evidence for the effectiveness of a treatment. Randomised controlled clinical trials are needed.

Citation

Gichuhi, S.; Irlam, J.J.H. Interventions for squamous cell carcinoma of the conjunctiva in HIV-infected individuals. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (2007) (Issue 2) Art. No.: CD005643. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD005643.pub2]

Interventions for squamous cell carcinoma of the conjunctiva in HIV-infected individuals

Published 1 January 2007