Method and system for treatment planning

A data processing apparatus comprising:

• a memory storing computer-executable instructions;
• and
• a processor configured to execute the instructions to:
• receive a reference objective, the reference objective representing a goal to be achieved by a radiotherapy system;
• select a cost function associated with the reference objective from a plurality of cost functions, the selected cost function being associated with an assigned initial weight value, the assigned initial weight value corresponding to sensitivity of an example dose distribution relative to one or more changes in an output of the selected cost function value;
• and
• apply an optimization procedure to a radiation treatment plan for radiation treatment in a patient according to the received reference objective, wherein the optimization procedure uses the assigned initial weight value of the selected cost function and seeks to minimize the selected cost function.

A computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to:

• receive a reference objective, the reference objective representing a goal to be achieved by a radiotherapy system;
• select a cost function associated with the reference objective from a plurality of cost functions, the selected cost function being associated with an assigned initial weight value, the assigned initial weight value corresponding to sensitivity of an example dose distribution relative to one or more changes in an output of the selected cost function value;
• and
• apply an optimization procedure to a radiation treatment plan for radiation treatment in a patient according to the received reference objective, wherein the optimization procedure uses the assigned initial weight value of the selected cost function and seeks to minimize the selected cost function.

A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to:

• receive a reference objective, the reference objective representing a goal to be achieved by a radiotherapy system;
• select a cost function associated with the reference objective from a plurality of cost functions, the selected cost function being associated with an assigned initial weight value, the assigned initial weight value corresponding to sensitivity of an example dose distribution relative to one or more changes in an output of the selected cost function value;
• and
• apply an optimization procedure to a radiation treatment plan for radiation treatment in a patient according to the received reference objective, wherein the optimization procedure uses the assigned initial weight value of the selected cost function and seeks to minimize the selected cost function.