Atherosclerosis Behaves Like a Tumor, New Study Reveals
Summary: A new study reveals that cells in atherosclerotic plaques behave like tumor cells, undergoing clonal expansion due to shared genetic mutations. This surprising discovery provides fresh insight into how atherosclerosis develops and may open the door to new treatment strategies beyond cholesterol-lowering drugs.
Can Atherosclerosis Behave Like Cancer? New Study Says Yes
Atherosclerosis is typically known as a lifestyle-driven vascular disease, but a new study from Denmark has revealed a striking twist: the cells in atherosclerotic plaques may grow in a pattern that mirrors tumour development. This finding challenges the conventional view and may revolutionise how we understand and treat this life-threatening condition.
Tumor-like Growth in Blood Vessels: A Shocking Discovery
Researchers from the University of Southern Denmark and Odense University Hospital analyzed tissue samples from patients with atherosclerosis. What they found was unexpected: many of the cells in the diseased blood vessels carried identical genetic mutations and originated from a single “ancestor” cell.
“In some samples, over 10% of the cells — hundreds of thousands — shared the same mutation,” said Lasse Bach Steffensen, Associate Professor of Molecular Medicine.
This type of clonal expansion is typically seen in tumour growth, where one genetically altered cell multiplies uncontrollably, giving rise to many identical offspring. Until now, such behaviour had not been associated with atherosclerosis.
Genetic Mutations: Not Random, Not Harmless
While not all mutations cause disease, some can dramatically alter how cells function. In this study, the researchers found that many of the genetic changes were in genes that regulate cell behavior, suggesting a possible link to disease progression.
Although it’s too early to say whether these mutations cause atherosclerosis or worsen it, the pattern strongly indicates that these genetic alterations are not random; they may influence how aggressively the disease develops.
A Familiar Disease, Now Seen Differently
Atherosclerosis remains a leading cause of heart attacks and strokes worldwide. It occurs when fatty deposits, immune cells, and connective tissue accumulate in the vessel walls, forming plaques. Over time, these plaques restrict blood flow or rupture, leading to clot formation.
Traditionally, treatment focuses on lowering cholesterol and controlling blood pressure. However, this new study suggests we may have overlooked a critical factor: the biological behaviour of the cells within the vessel wall.
“We’re not saying atherosclerosis is a tumour. But the clonal cell expansion we observed is usually associated with tumor biology,” said Steffensen.
This tumour-like feature could explain why the disease is so persistent and difficult to reverse, even with aggressive medical therapy.
How Was the Study Conducted?
The research was made possible by vascular tissue samples collected from patients undergoing surgery at Odense and Kolding Hospitals. These samples were compared with blood DNA to spot mutations unique to the vessel wall.
Thanks to a research biobank established in 2009, researchers were able to track cell lineage using DNA sequencing and determine how many cells originated from the same mutated ancestor.
This interdisciplinary effort included surgeons, nurses, biochemists, and dedicated patient volunteers who contributed to this crucial work.
What’s Next? Deeper Analysis, Larger Studies
This groundbreaking study involved only a limited number of patients, but the team is already expanding their analysis to include more participants. The goal? To understand the relationship between:
- The number of mutations
- The stage of disease
- The patient’s clinical profile
Steffensen says this could lead to a redefinition of how we view and treat atherosclerosis, especially in high-risk patients.
Understanding the Basics: What Is Atherosclerosis?
Atherosclerosis is a chronic condition where cholesterol particles lodge in the walls of arteries, triggering inflammation. The immune system treats this like an injury, leading to plaque buildup.
- These plaques can narrow arteries, limit blood flow, or rupture, causing heart attacks or strokes.
Risk factors include:
- High cholesterol
- Smoking
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Genetic predisposition
Most people don’t show symptoms until the disease is advanced, but the process often starts in adolescence.
What Are Genetic Alterations?
Genetic alterations, or mutations, are changes in DNA that occur naturally over time. Most are harmless, but some can cause abnormal cell behaviour, such as
- Faster division
- Resistance to cell death
- Migration to new tissues
In the case of atherosclerosis, the presence of shared mutations in large numbers of cells suggests a new disease mechanism that might be targeted in future therapies.
Conclusion: A New Lens on an Old Foe
This study opens an exciting chapter in vascular research. If atherosclerosis involves tumor-like clonal cell growth, then treatments may one day go beyond cholesterol control to target the genetic behavior of vessel wall cells.
For now, we need larger studies and deeper investigation. But one thing is clear: our understanding of atherosclerosis is evolving, and with it, the potential for innovative therapies that could save millions of lives.
Reference: Lasse Bach Steffensen, Stephanie Kavan, Pia Søndergaard Jensen, Matilde Kvist Pedersen, Steffen Møller Bøttger, Martin Jakob Larsen, Maja Dembic, Otto Bergman, Ljubica Matic, Ulf Hedin, Lars van Brakel Andersen, Jes Sanddal Lindholt, Kim Christian Houlind, Lars Peter Riber, Mads Thomassen and Lars Melholt Rasmussen et al. Mutational landscape of atherosclerotic plaques reveals large clonal cell populations. 22 May 2025, JCI Insight.
Dane
I am an MBBS graduate and a dedicated medical writer with a strong passion for deep research and psychology. I enjoy breaking down complex medical topics into engaging, easy-to-understand content, aiming to educate and inspire readers by exploring the fascinating connection between health, science, and the human mind.
