Technologies for energy-modulated radiation therapy

Abstract

Described are devices, systems, and methods for modulating the spectral energy distribution produced by an x-ray source via control of the energy of the x-ray-generating electron beam, e.g., for energy-modulated radiation therapy or other purposes. In some embodiments, such energy modulation is achieved by an add-on device to a linear accelerator. Also disclosed are computational methods and computer program products for planning energy-modulated therapy.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for energy-modulated radiotherapy, the method comprising:
 generating at least one x-ray beam by directing an electron beam onto an x-ray converter target: and   while moving the at least one x-ray beam around a treatment target during irradiation of the treatment target, dynamically controlling a spectral energy distribution of the at least one x-ray beam as a function of at least angular position in accordance with a treatment plan by controlling an energy of the electron beam.