Patent ID: 8636636

Claim:
A computer-implemented method, the method comprising: dividing a representation of a target volume into an array of sub-volumes; defining, for each sub-volume, a high dose volume to which a high dose of radiation is to be delivered; defining, for each sub-volume, a plurality of sampling volumes, the sampling volumes being smaller than the high dose volume of each sub-volume; delivering an estimated dose of radiation to each sub-volume; determining, by a processor, whether the dose of radiation delivered to each high dose volume is at least a minimum threshold dose, and that the radiation delivered to each of the sub-volumes, spatially outside of the high dose volume, within the plurality of sampling volumes, is at least a minimum difference less than the radiation delivered to the high dose volume; adjusting, by the processor, the estimated dose of radiation delivered to each sub-volume so that each high dose volume receives at least a minimum threshold dose, and the radiation delivered to each of the sub-volumes spatially outside of the high dose volume within the plurality of sampling volumes is at least a minimum difference less than the radiation delivered to the high dose volume; and developing a radiation treatment plan, including the adjusted dose, to invoke a biological effect of spatially separated radiation.