Evaluating a Novel Treatment for Eye Cancer

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most common type of eye cancer in horses and often associated with loss of vision. When SCC affects the cornea and front membrane surfaces of the eye, it’s referred to as ocular surface neoplasia (OSSN). Used as a cancer treatment, interferon alpha-2b has been successful in the treatment of OSSN in human medicine. Researchers will study the efficacy of this immunotherapy in OSSN-affected horses. The team will evaluate tumor response to therapy using specialized imaging techniques. They also will look at the genetics of each study horse to look for genetic variables and potential biomarkers in tumors that may influence or help predict tumor response to therapy. Findings will help advance our understanding and treatment of this cancer in horses.