Currently, clinical guidelines are one of the main information sources for oncologists in their daily practice. Legislation changes has increased an importance of guidelines and declared them as the basis of medical care. The new status of clinical guidelines requires their financial, legal and regulatory appraisal. This is important for physicians and healthcare management. Practical issues of clinical guidelines in oncology are discussed in the manuscript. Medical, financial and regulatory aspects of the guidelines for physicians and hospitals are considered. Particular attention is paid to the necessity to revise the recommendations regularly.