Former Australian of the Year Richard Scolyer Faces Brain Surgery with Courage

Image credits: Flavio Brancaleone

Professor Richard Scolyer, the former joint Australian of the Year, has been diagnosed with a highly aggressive and incurable brain cancer, and is now facing brain surgery after a devastating scan result showed concerning changes in his brain. Twenty-one months into treatment, Scolyer, 58, knows that the lethal tumour could be growing back, and is preparing for surgery at Chris O'Brien Lifehouse in Camperdown to explore the changes and remove as much of the tumour as possible again without affecting brain function. Despite the challenges, Scolyer remains positive and determined, saying "I'm not ready to go, I'll keep fighting on."

Scolyer's experimental treatment, which included three doses of immunotherapy 12 days before debulking surgery, and a personalised cancer vaccine, has shown promising results, with research revealing an increased abundance and variety of cancer-fighting immune cells in the cut-out tumour. A peer-reviewed paper published in the international journal Nature Medicine revealed scientific insights that were encouraging enough to prompt planning for the first clinical trial of pre-surgery immunotherapy for glioblastoma patients. The hope is that immunotherapy can revolutionise brain cancer treatment as it has done for melanoma and other cancers.

Since starting treatment, Scolyer has stayed remarkably positive, running and cycling regularly, racing in the Multisport World Championships in Townsville, co-authoring more than 40 research papers, and continuing as co-medical director of Melanoma Institute Australia with Professor Georgina Long. Scolyer has also appreciated spending more time than once seemed possible with his wife Katie and children Emily, 20, Matt, 19, and Lucy, 17. Throughout his treatment, he has documented the highs and lows for more than 130,000 followers on social media and on two episodes of the ABC's Australian Story.

Scolyer has known all along that it was more likely his treatment would be of more benefit to future glioblastoma patients than for him, and he expected at the start that he would not last 12 months. Even so, Scolyer has struggled emotionally since the last scan result, but remains determined to keep fighting. His story is an inspiration to many, and his courage and resilience in the face of adversity are a testament to his strength and character. As he prepares for brain surgery, Scolyer's message is one of hope and determination, and his legacy will continue to inspire and motivate others to keep fighting against this devastating disease.

The timeline of events in Scolyer's treatment is as follows: * May 2023: Scolyer was diagnosed with a highly aggressive and incurable brain cancer * June 2023: Scolyer started experimental treatment, including three doses of immunotherapy and a personalised cancer vaccine * August 2023: Scolyer underwent debulking surgery to remove as much of the tumour as possible * October 2023: Scolyer met King Charles during his Australian visit to discuss world-leading treatments for melanoma patients * January 2024: Scolyer was named joint Australian of the Year * February 2024: Scolyer's scan result showed concerning changes in his brain, prompting brain surgery. Scolyer's story highlights the importance of research and treatment in the fight against brain cancer, and his courage and determination will continue to inspire others to keep fighting against this devastating disease.