In a recent development that has drawn public attention, former Australian of the Year, Professor Richard Scolyer has faced a significant health setback, undergoing brain surgery after recent scans revealed concerning changes. At 58 years old, the esteemed medical professor and cancer researcher has been battling an aggressive form of brain cancer known as glioblastoma, which was initially deemed incurable.
The journey of Professor Scolyer has been one of courage and pioneering spirit. Diagnosed with grade 4 brain cancer, he chose to participate in an experimental treatment that carried the risk of shortening his lifespan. This bold decision was based on the groundbreaking work of Professor Georgina Long and her team, who have made significant strides in melanoma treatment. Their collaborative efforts were so impactful that they were named Australians of the Year in 2024.
Professor Scolyer’s treatment involved a world-first approach: he became the inaugural brain cancer patient to receive pre-surgery combination immunotherapy, a technique that had shown promise in the fight against melanoma. The hope was that the knowledge gained from melanoma research could be applied to combat his brain tumour.
The need for this latest complex surgery came after a ‘tough’ period for Scolyer, as he described on his social media account. The changes detected in his brain scans could either be a side effect of his previous treatment or, more worryingly, a sign of recurrent brain tumour. Now, in the aftermath of his surgery at Chris O’Brien Lifehouse in Sydney, Scolyer is focusing on recovery and has expressed gratitude for the well-wishes he has received from supporters.
The diagnosis of glioblastoma came unexpectedly while Scolyer was overseas attending a work conference. After suffering a seizure, he was confronted with the reality of an aggressive brain tumour and a prognosis of six to nine months to live. This diagnosis underscored the harsh truth that, despite two decades of research, there have been no major advancements in brain cancer treatment—until now.
The innovative approach taken by Long and her team, applying melanoma treatment strategies to brain cancer, offers a glimmer of hope in what has been a long-standing battle against one of the most challenging forms of cancer.
What are your thoughts on experimental treatments and medical advancements? Share your experiences and insights in the comments below—let’s keep the conversation going!
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I was diagnosed with a Giloblastma grade 4 Brain Tumour after operation to remove what they could without damaging any other vital parts of the brain I was given 12 to 18 months to live back in October 2019. After operation started low dose of chemotherapy while having 30 days straight of radiation then started 5 days of tablet chemotherapy stronger dose 3 weeks off then start the chemotherapy cycle again done this for 6 months for 2 years I was having MRI every 3 months then Changed MRI to every 6 months take Keppra tablets to control any seizures which I have not had any other than the initial one when I was diagnosed going on 5 years and 4 months trying to lead a healthy lifestyle fingers crossed. Everyone with the Mark Hughes Foundation have been wonderful. I pray for the people that suffer with this dreadful disease and hope that a cure is found soon. Thank you for letting me tell my story of my sickness which is always hangs in the background every time your next scan is due🙏