Twenty years of experience with PDD and PDT in Poland--review.

This article is a review of laboratory and clinical research undertaken in Poland in PDD and PDT over the past 20 years. These are divided into two parallel research areas. The first is based on clinical trials where new modalities of photosensitizer synthesis, molecular mechanisms of PDT and other aspects are investigated. The second is concerned with clinical aspects of PDD and PDT in both pre-neoplastic and malignant disease. In Poland there were 2 National Congresses in 2006 and 2008 with 100 and 400 participants respectively. One of the oldest centers of Photodynamic Diagnostics and Therapy is located in Bytom. For about 10 years it has led clinical research in Poland with PDD and PDT in such medical disciplines as dermatology, gastroenterology, laryngology, pulmonology, gynecology, and orthopedics.