Dear friends! Today, Artem Rubenovich Gevorkov, PhD, Senior Researcher, Radiotherapist of the Department of Radiation Therapy with a modification of the P.A. Herzen Moscow Oncology Research Institute, a branch of the National Medical Research Center of Radiology of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, will tell you how to prepare for radiation therapy to receive optimal treatment and give the necessary recommendations as part of our series of programs, Simple_about_Complex. Radiation therapy is one of the most effective and popular methods of treatment in oncology. This type of treatment can be prescribed as the only one, ensuring a complete cure for the patient, as well as before and after surgery, or in combination with drug therapy. Radiation therapy often causes irreversible damage to the tumor, while maintaining the viability of surrounding healthy tissues and organs. What is important to know to receive optimal treatment? Everything starts with a consultation with a radiotherapist. Before starting radiation therapy, the doctor carefully studies the complaints and medical history, examines the patient and prescribes the necessary tests. Depending on the diagnosis and general condition, a number of studies are prescribed (X-ray, ultrasound, CT, MRI, endoscopy, ECG, blood and urine tests, etc.), which determine the exact location of the tumor, as well as the patient's readiness for treatment. After this, the doctor decides on the treatment method and necessarily tells the patient about the planned actions, the expected result of the antitumor effect and the risks of side effects, measures to prevent and combat them. Possible problems associated with concomitant diseases and bad habits of the patient are also taken into account, since they can negatively affect both the effectiveness and tolerance of radiation. Depending on the location of the tumor, doctors select an examination program and determine the best treatment plan. Ionizing radiation is unsafe for healthy tissues, so irradiation is carried out as targeted as possible. For this, so-called topometry (marking) is carried out, for which the area of ​​​​the planned irradiation is scanned, followed by the creation of a three-dimensional model of the tumor with surrounding organs and tissues. Irradiation takes place in a specially equipped room (canyon). During the radiation therapy session, the patient does not experience pain or any other unpleasant sensations. The medical operator and the doctor help the patient take the position that was chosen during planning (marking). The patient is required to maintain this body position throughout the entire irradiation session. Special fixation is often required (mask, net, etc.), and sometimes certain actions of the patient himself (breathing according to a special program, etc.). The patient will be taught all this by the medical staff before the procedure. The irradiation session can last from several minutes to much longer. This depends on the complexity of the irradiation plan and the dose that needs to be delivered. As a rule, the course of remote radiation therapy lasts 5-7 weeks. There are techniques in which the desired irradiation effect is achieved in one or several sessions. Please note that given the delayed nature of the attenuation of radiation reactions, it is very important to promptly inform the doctor about changes, which will allow you to adjust the recommendations individually for you and ensure full rehabilitation. The Department of Radiation Therapy of the P.A. Herzen Moscow Oncology Research Institute, a branch of the National Medical Research Center of Radiology of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, is a leader in the development and practical implementation of high-tech methods of radiation, chemoradiation treatment of primary, primary multiple, recurrent tumors and metastases of various localizations, including the trachea and bronchi, brain, gastrointestinal tract, genitourinary and musculoskeletal systems. Unique methods of radiation therapy developed by the specialists of the Department are widely used in clinical practice.