Australia’s medical community—and indeed, the nation at large—has been following the journey of a prominent cancer researcher with a mixture of hope, admiration, and concern.
The eminent pathologist, world-renowned melanoma expert, and 2024 Australian of the Year has become a symbol of courage and innovation in the face of one of medicine’s most daunting challenges: glioblastoma, an aggressive and currently incurable form of brain cancer.
Diagnosed in 2023 at the age of 58, Professor Richard Scolyer now confronts this formidable disease head-on. For those unfamiliar, glioblastoma is known for its rapid progression and grim prognosis, with limited treatment options and a survival window typically measured in months.
Most patients are given a life expectancy of just 12 to 18 months after diagnosis, and treatment options are limited. When Professor Scolyer received his diagnosis, he was told he might have only eight months to live.
But if there’s one thing Professor Scolyer is known for, it’s not backing down from a challenge. Drawing on his own expertise and the support of his colleagues at the Melanoma Institute Australia, he embarked on a bold, experimental treatment plan.
This involved immunotherapy—a cutting-edge approach that harnesses the body’s own immune system to fight cancer. The treatment was based on advances in melanoma research, an area where Professor Scolyer himself has made significant contributions.
Amazingly, the immunotherapy worked better than anyone could have hoped. For 18 months, Professor Scolyer’s cancer was held at bay, far exceeding the initial prognosis.
His journey became a beacon of hope for patients and families facing similar battles, and his openness about the ups and downs of treatment inspired many.
But as is often the case with cancer, the road has not been smooth. In February this year, Professor Scolyer announced that the cancer had returned. He underwent surgery in March to remove as much of the tumour as possible.
While the operation was successful in removing a significant portion of the mass, some ‘little tentacles’ of the tumour remained, requiring further treatment.
This week, Professor Scolyer shared a sobering update: a recent MRI scan revealed further progression of the tumour on the left side of his brain.
In a heartfelt social media post, he wrote, ‘While this may not be the best direction to be heading with my changes, amazingly (to me), I still seem keen to keep living, loving and having fun, whenever possible.’
Despite the setback, Professor Scolyer’s spirit remains unbroken. He credits his family, friends, and medical team for keeping him motivated and proud. ‘I feel like there are quite a few people on my team (including my family & friends) and they make me happy and proud,’ he shared.
Professor Scolyer has been candid about the emotional and physical toll of his ongoing treatment. He admits to feeling ‘a little up and down’ due to side effects, but continues to cherish time with his wife Katie and their children.
‘Sometimes I’m happy to have fun, but some of the therapies have knocked me around a bit, so I can’t do some of the things I love doing,’ he said.
His wife, Katie, has been a pillar of strength, using her intellect and compassion to help navigate the complex world of cancer treatment options. Their partnership is a reminder of the vital role loved ones play in the cancer journey.
Professor Scolyer expects to undergo another operation and remains hopeful about future treatments.
‘Fingers crossed this operation isn’t so bad and we can move forward with the next form of therapy and hopefully push things along faster to try and get things open up for many, many patients who have got glioblastoma,’ he said.
His willingness to participate in experimental treatments is not just about his own survival—it’s about advancing science for everyone. Each step he takes, each new therapy he tries, adds to the collective knowledge that could one day lead to better outcomes for others.
Professor Scolyer’s journey is a powerful reminder of the importance of medical research, clinical trials, and the relentless pursuit of better treatments. Glioblastoma remains one of the most challenging cancers to treat, but stories like his show that progress is possible.
His experience also highlights the value of hope, resilience, and the support of loved ones. For many Australians living with cancer or supporting someone who is, these qualities are just as important as any medical breakthrough.
What are your thoughts on this update? How do stories like this shape your view of medical research and resilience? Have you or someone you know been affected by similar challenges? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.
Also read: Former US president faces ‘aggressive’ cancer battle
I am battling melanoma at the moment, the immunotherapy which held so much promise and potential help; in the end it did not help at all in fact it was killing me faster than my cancer. It has so many negative side effects and I was affected by number of them, the worst of them was loss of my pancreas ability to produce insulin thus turning me into diabetic type 1.
Wish me luck please.
We are with you, PaTuSom.