Currently, talc is the most effective and widely-used agent for chemical pleurodesis in the treatment of both malignant pleural effusion and pneumothorax. Its popularity has been growing due to the low incidence of side effects, low cost and higher success rate in comparison with other agents (tetracyclines, bleomycin, Corynebacterium parvum). The guidelines for talc pleurodesis are summarized and the history of the Corynebacterium parvum as an agent for chemical pleurodesis is mentioned. Its production in the Czech Republic has been halted due to the increased interest in the talc as a chemical sclerosant.

        Key words: malignant effusion, pneumothorax, pleurodesis, talc, Corynebacterium parvum, tetracyclin, bleomy- cin.