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Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a group of hereditary skin diseases, or genodermatoses, characterized by the formation of severe, chronic blisters with painful and life-threatening complications. Despite the previous and ongoing progress in the field, there are still no effective causative treatments for EB. The treatment is limited to relieving symptoms, which—depending on disease severity—may involve skin (blisters, poorly healing wounds caused by the slightest mechanical stimuli, contractures, scarring, pseudosyndactyly) and internal organ abnormalities (esophageal, pyloric, or duodenal atresia; renal failure; and hematopoietic abnormalities). The last decade saw a series of important discoveries that paved the way for new treatment methods, including gene therapy, bone marrow transplantation, cell therapy (allogenic fibroblasts, mesenchymal stem cells [MSCs], and clinical use of induced pluripotent stem cells. Tissue engineering experts are attempting to develop skin-like structures that can facilitate the process of healing to promote skin reconstruction in injuries that are currently incurable. However, this is incredibly challenging, due to the complex structure and the many functions of the skin. Below, we characterize EB and present its potential treatment methods. Despite the cure for EB being still out of reach, recent data from animal models and initial clinical trials in humans have raised patients’, clinicians’, and researchers’ expectations. Consequently, modifying the course of the disease and improving the quality of life have become possible. Moreover, the conclusions drawn based on EB treatment may considerably improve the treatment of other genetic diseases.

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IntroductionThis article summarize the available data on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) epidemiology in Poland. Data regarding the HCC incidence rate are divergent. Statistical data presented by NFZ appear more credible in that matter than data published by the Polish Oncology Center (POC).Material and methodsThe analysis included data from the Polish Bibliography Database (GBL), the Polish National Health Fund Institution (NFZ), the scientific paper “Malignant neoplasms in Poland” issued by POC and the central liver transplant registry maintained by the Polish transplant coordinating center “Poltransplant” (2010-2015).ResultsData regarding the HCC incidence rate are divergent. Statistical data presented by NFZ appear more credible in that matter than data published by POC.ConclusionsThe occurrence of HCC in Poland is at the average European level and is similarly rising. The incidence rate is underestimated. It is due to faulty epidemiology data collection techniques. The highest risk group comprises men over the age of 50 with concomitant liver cirrhosis. The most common HCC etiology is HCV infection.

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