Proper preparation for radiotherapy can reduce side effects and improve the effectiveness of treatment, giving you more comfort and confidence throughout therapy. Although each treatment plan is personalized, there are a few general recommendations that can make a real difference.
1. Understand the process
Preparing for radiotherapy begins with accurate information. It is natural to feel anxious when facing the unknown, and understanding each step can bring a great deal of reassurance. Radiotherapy is not surgery and it does not involve pain — it is a non-invasive treatment based on directing controlled doses of radiation to the area affected by disease.
Treatment simulation process
The first step is the simulation session, which takes place before the actual treatment begins. Simulation, also called positioning or treatment planning setup, is the first stage of the treatment you are about to receive. Your treatment is prepared using a simulation scanner (a CT simulator), also called a dosimetric scanner. This helps define the exact area of the body that needs to be treated and allows the treatment boundaries to be mapped with precision. These boundaries are marked either with a special dye or with tiny tattoo dots. Because this is an essential stage for the correct delivery of treatment, it generally lasts between 30 minutes and one hour.
The simulation scanner may sometimes be complemented by other imaging investigations, such as MRI or PET-CT, when the situation requires it.
The simulation stage is the same for the different radiotherapy techniques.
After the simulation scan has been completed and the total radiation dose has been determined, the radiation oncologist needs a few days to work on the acquired images in order to personalize the treatment according to the type of tumor and the patient’s anatomy. This part of the process is called dosimetric planning and does not require your presence. It is carried out by a team of professionals working closely together: physicists, radiation therapists, radiation oncologists and other healthcare specialists.
Before the start of radiotherapy, and then periodically during treatment, X-rays, images or other checks may be performed to ensure that your body position and reference marks are correct. These checks are not intended to assess whether the tumor has shrunk or stopped growing.
However, in certain cases, if tissue changes are detected or suspected, the radiation oncologist may decide to repeat the scan and optimize the treatment plan (for example, with the help of a new dosimetric scan), depending on the changes that occur during the remaining sessions. This is called adaptive radiotherapy.
In the case of tumors that move with breathing, treatment sessions may require additional accessories and sometimes greater attention from you, so that the treatment can be adapted according to specific phases of the breathing cycle.
Treatment delivery
When you arrive for the actual treatment session, you will be guided by the medical staff into the treatment room with the linear accelerator. This is a large machine that may seem impressive at first, but it works safely and you will not feel anything during the procedure. You will lie on a treatment table in exactly the same position used during simulation, and the team will help you get into the correct position. You may have small marks or tattoos on your skin from the simulation session, which help ensure perfect alignment of the body.
Then the staff will leave the room, but you will be monitored continuously through video and audio systems. The machine will rotate around you and you may hear certain sounds — but you will feel absolutely nothing. The treatment itself lasts only a few minutes, even though the entire procedure (preparation and positioning) may take a little longer.
The session is painless, it does not leave immediate marks on the skin, and in general it does not cause effects that are felt right away. Once the session is finished, you can return home or go back to your usual daily activities.
Getting familiar with the treatment machines
The TrueBeam STx linear accelerator allows treatment to be delivered with extremely high precision, especially for tumors located in difficult areas. During the session, you will be positioned exactly as you were during simulation, and the machine will rotate around you without touching your body.
It is completely painless, and the radiation is directed precisely to the affected area. The session lasts only a few minutes, and the entire process is monitored by the team through video and audio.
Halcyon is a next-generation linear accelerator that is fast and quiet. Thanks to its speed, the time you spend on the treatment table is shorter, without compromising the quality of treatment.
It is ideal for patients who feel uncomfortable remaining in the same position for a long time, and it provides a more patient-friendly treatment experience while maintaining the same high clinical effectiveness.
Frequency and duration of sessions
Radiotherapy is usually not a single procedure. Depending on the treatment plan established at the beginning, you will have an exact number of sessions, most often scheduled daily (Monday to Friday) over several weeks. Each session is short, but essential — following the schedule carefully is very important for treatment effectiveness.
Treatment has a cumulative effect, meaning that both the benefits and any side effects appear gradually as the sessions add up. It is normal not to feel anything during the first appointments — the results build over time.
2. Take care of the skin in the treated area
During radiotherapy, the skin in the treated area may become more sensitive than usual. It is important to protect it and avoid anything that could irritate or worsen this sensitivity. Do not apply lotions, creams, oils or perfumes to the treated area unless they have been recommended by your radiation oncologist — some products may interact negatively with radiation or interfere with treatment effectiveness.
Wear comfortable clothing, choosing loose garments made from natural fabrics such as cotton, which allow the skin to breathe and reduce friction or pressure on the treated area. It is also essential to avoid direct sun exposure to the irradiated region, even for short periods — the skin becomes more vulnerable and may react strongly to UV rays.
Skin care during this period is not just a minor detail, but an essential part of treatment. Well-protected skin contributes to your comfort and helps treatment continue without interruption. If you notice any change such as marked redness, a burning sensation or severe dryness, inform the medical team immediately — there are gentle and effective ways to manage these reactions.
3. Rest and balanced nutrition — your allies during treatment
A well-nourished and well-rested body will cope more easily with radiotherapy sessions. It is completely normal to feel tired during treatment, even if you sleep enough at night. Your body uses a great deal of energy to recover, so do not hesitate to give yourself breaks, relax, and adjust your daily rhythm according to how you feel. Whether you choose a light walk, a mindful breathing session or simply rest, all of these can support your physical and emotional balance.
Nutrition also plays an essential role in supporting the body. On the day of your session, avoid heavy or very large meals, especially if an area in the abdominal region is going to be treated. Choose foods that are easy to digest, such as soups, rice, cooked vegetables, yogurt or soft fruits. Hydration is just as important — drinking water regularly helps maintain your strength and supports the body’s natural recovery processes.
4. Respect your appointments and arrive on time
Radiotherapy achieves maximum effectiveness when it is delivered regularly, in sessions scheduled at carefully planned intervals. Each session is part of a precisely calculated treatment plan, and respecting the treatment days and times is essential for achieving the desired results. Delays or interruptions can affect the rhythm of therapy and, therefore, its effectiveness. Try to arrive a few minutes early so that you can avoid unnecessary stress and prepare calmly for your session.
5. Communicate openly with the medical team
During treatment, it is important not to remain alone with your questions, discomfort or any new symptoms. Communication with your radiation oncologist and the treatment team can help you manage possible side effects more easily and receive the support you need. Inform them immediately if you feel pain, notice skin changes in the treated area, experience significant fatigue, nausea or any other change that worries you.
Each body responds differently to treatment, and the medical team is there to adapt your care according to how you feel. Do not hesitate to ask questions, seek advice or request clarification — every honest discussion contributes to a more effective and better tolerated treatment. You have the right to be informed and supported every step of the way.