Grid radiotherapy for static and dynamic treatment delivery

1. 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.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the high dose volume is substantially located in a central portion of each sub-volume.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the minimum threshold dose of radiation is about 70% to 90% of an estimated maximum dose of radiation.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the sub-volumes are spaced apart within a pre-determined minimum distance of about 1 centimeter and a maximum distance of about 5 centimeters from each other.

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the minimum difference is about 50% to 60% below the dose of radiation directed to each sub-volume.

6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the adjusting includes lowering the estimated dose directed to at least some of the sub-volumes.

7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the high dose volume is about 5% to 20% of each sub-volume.

8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the adjusting further comprises altering a spatial relationship between the high dose volumes, the sampling volumes, and the sub-volumes.

9. The method of claim 1 , wherein each sampling volume is about 1% to 10% of the sub-volume.

10. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:

administering the radiation treatment plan, including the adjusted dose, to invoke the biological effect of spatially separated radiation by delivering a radiotherapy treatment to the target volume by a radiotherapy device, wherein the target volume is within a patient.

11. The method of claim 10 , further comprising:

obtaining the treatment plan to be administered, the treatment plan prescribing configuration parameters for a beam shaping device of the radiotherapy device and prescribed doses to invoke the biological effect of spatially separated radiation;

moving the radiotherapy device towards a first prescribed position for irradiation of the target volume;

configuring the beam shaping device in accordance with the configuration parameters corresponding to the first prescribed position; and

irradiating the target volume with the radiotherapy device at the first prescribed position to invoke the biological effect of spatially separated radiation.

12. The method of claim 11 , wherein the treatment plan is a burst mode treatment plan.

13. The method of claim 12 , wherein:

at least one dynamic axis of the radiotherapy device is continually in motion during a treatment session, including during the irradiating of the target volume; and

the beam shaping device is not in motion during the irradiating of the target volume.