Richard Scolyer brain cancer : A prominent Australian doctor shares that he has only months to live, hoping the experimental treatment he received may help save lives in the future.
Richard Scolyer’s Final Battle with Brain Cancer: A Legacy of Hope and Research
A renowned melanoma researcher and Australian of the Year recipient has revealed he has only months to live after his brain cancer returned.
Richard Scolyer was diagnosed with incurable brain cancer two years ago and volunteered for experimental treatment, defying an initial six-month prognosis.
The findings from his immunotherapy treatment were published in late February, but a surgery last week confirmed the cancer had returned.
“Unfortunately, there is a larger volume of rapidly growing brain cancer (glioblastoma, IDH WT, unmethylated, etc.) in my left brain,” Professor Scolyer shared on social media on Monday.
Cancer’s Return and the Difficult Decision Ahead
The outlook is grim. Although part of my recurrent tumor was removed last week, some could not be extracted due to its location.
Further testing is required to determine whether the experimental treatment extended his life. Despite this, he and his colleague and friend, Georgina Long, were honored as the 2024 Australians of the Year for developing the treatment, drawing from their expertise in melanoma research.
On Monday, Professor Scolyer expressed hope that his participation in the experimental treatment would benefit others in the future.
I’m deeply grateful for the support of my family, friends, and colleagues who have cared for me so well, and for the remarkable research that has been conducted,” he said.
“I truly hope this research will transform the field and improve patient outcomes in the near future.
In an emotional interview with Ally Langdon on A Current Affair on Monday, the father of three shared that while he could pursue experimental drug treatments, he chose to spend his remaining time with family instead.
“It might help, but my heart isn’t in the same place as it was before,” he said.
“It’s unfair, but there’s a lesson in this — cherish every day, because you never know what’s ahead.
I’m not ready to leave yet. I love my life,” he said.
I feel fortunate to have gone so long without a recurrence.”
Professor Scolyer has been documenting his journey through a social media blog, which has garnered 28,000 followers.
I’m so sorry to hear this, Richard,” one commenter wrote in response to his latest difficult update.
Your work has made a profound impact — advancing treatments for melanoma and opening new possibilities for immunotherapy that could help future cancer patients,” she added.
Generations will build on the foundation you’ve created. Your life and work are truly meaningful, and your story has touched countless lives.”
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