A planning image memory stores a volume diagnostic image. A user inputs data defining clinical objectives including organs-at-risk with a user interface device. An auto-planning module generates a candidate treatment plan. A trade-off module having a processor evaluates the treatment plan against the clinical objectives. When one or more objectives is not met, the trade-off module performs a trade-off analysis to determine an effect on other clinical objectives and generates at least one trade-off treatment plan which more closely meets the not met objectives. The candidate and at least one trade-off plan are displayed on a display device and/or analyzed by the processor and a final treatment plan is selected from the at least one trade-off or candidate treatment plan.
