Halt Cancer at X awards $50K grant for early breast cancer detection

KALISPELL — Researchers from the Mayo Clinic seeking to better understand genetic mutations that increase risk for breast cancer received a $50,000 grant from Halt Cancer at X to advance their work.

Earlier this month Halt Cancer at X, the charitable initiative of Montana Equestrian Events, awarded a national research grant to Drs. Siddartha Yadav and Fergus Couch for their genetic work on the BRCA2 missense variant in breast cancer. This award brings the total philanthropic support of Halt Cancer at X to more than $800,000 in the past 10 years.

“This is the type of research we get excited about,” said Sarah Broussard, Founder of Halt Cancer at X, “it could really change the landscape of breast cancer detection, and quickly.”

Using CRISPR gene-editing technology, the researchers are looking at changes in the BRCA2 gene that put a woman at an increased risk of breast cancer and what mutations are harmless. This early detection of gene abnormalities could rapidly accelerate the understanding of these mutations and provide a much longer runway for successful cancer treatment.

“We’ve been trying to classify these variants for more than 20 years,” said Dr. Yadav, “that’s why it’s transformative - we’re trying to do two decades of research in one year.”

BRCA2 is the No. 2 gene linked to breast cancer. Women with a mutation to this gene are 60% more likely to develop breast cancer.

“Dr. Yadav and Dr. Fergus’ work addresses a clinical question affecting women in our community and my practice every day,” said Dr. Melissa Kaptanian, Chair of Halt Cancer at X, “and we are hopeful that their investigation into these genetic markers will dramatically change the lives of women and their families in the near term.”

Even at the relatively young age of 37 for a leading researcher, Yadav has immersed himself in changing the course of early detection for breast cancer. As a recent recipient of the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s Young Investigator Award, Yadav has secured his place among the pioneering giants in breakthrough cancer research.

The Halt Cancer at X grant will both support the expansion of their research portfolio, as well as the clinical care of women affected by cancer whom they personally treat at Mayo Clinic.

“It helps me understand the clinical implications of my research with my patients and vice versa,” Yadav said, “letting us know if what we are doing is having meaningful change.”

The primary focus of Halt Cancer at X, established in memory of The Event at Rebecca Farm’s Co-Founder, Rebecca Broussard, is finding a cure for breast cancer. Each year, with funds raised through local donations, eventing supporters and additional funding from Montana Equestrian Events, they provide grants to national organizations that conduct breast cancer research and local cancer support services to residents of the Flathead Valley.