Denis Rancourt Peng, MScA, PhD: Self-heating Can Induce Solid Tumor Necrosis

Denis Rancourt Peng, MScA, PhD

Professor
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Sherbrooke University
Quebec City, Canada

Abstract

Solid tumors are complex biological systems that have been barely studied from a biomechanical point of view. Literature suggests that tumors produce significant heat. That heat is produced by tumor cell metabolism and macrophages that invade the tumor. Our heat transfer simulation study shows that heat generated can be sufficient to naturally produce internal necrosis of the tumor. In other words, tumor self-heating can induce self-eradication from the center core. The internal necrotic core grows with the tumor at a rate that depends on the tumor metabolic heat rate. The model can already explain a number of clinical findings. If it happens to be valid, new technologies can emerge where MRI thermography might play a significant role.

Short Bio

Denis Rancourt received his PhD from MIT in Mechanical Engineering, after completing an MScA degree at École Polytechnique de Montréal, and a BS degree at Université Laval in Mechanical Engineering. After ten years as a professor in Mechanical Engineering at Laval University, he was appointed Professor in the division of Bioengineering at Sherbrooke University, Quebec City, Canada. where he conducts research on the biomechanics of the musculoskeletal system and the development of biomedical devices. His expertise in design, modelling and control of physical systems has led him to conduct several contractual R&D projects with various industries, and to serve as a legal expert in forensic biomechanics.