Supercomputer model explores high temperatures for treating cancer. (North Carolina)

North Carolina

Beaming microwave or high-frequency sound energy into tumors to help kill them is a promising cancer treatment, say researchers who have explored the "hyperthermia" technique over the past few years.

However, to Duke University Medical Center radiation oncologist Scott Clegg, it will take still another piece of equipment - a supercomputer - to really understand the intricacies of hyperthermia cancer treatment.

Using the CRAY Y-MP machine at the North Carolina Supercomputing Center, Clegg is building what he believes to be the most complete model yet of how microwave energy heats the incredibly complex, heterogenous structure of a …