Diagnosed with glioblastoma
The 56-year-old doctor recognized for his pioneering melanoma research, was traveling Europe and lecturing at medical conferences when he woke up with a headache and suffered a seizure in May. After undergoing tests in June, Scolyer was diagnosed with glioblastoma, which is an aggressive and terminal form of brain cancer that would give him a median of 14 months to live.
Six weeks of radiotherapy
The treatment, which had not changed in 18 years, typically involves surgery followed by radiation and chemotherapy. After consulting experts, Professor Georgina Long decided on combination immunotherapy, which would be delivered before and after Scolyer’s surgery to remove the tumor. She was jointly named the 2024 NSW Australian of the Year, alongside Scolyer. He also received six weeks of radiotherapy after surgery and was administered a vaccine personalized to combat the tumor.
“Great hope for the future!”
He wrote on Instagram, “Could Prof Georgina Long’s treatment strategy of neoadjuvant combination immunotherapy plus personalized anticancer vaccine be having a positive effect? Too early to know but great hope for the future!”
Before undergoing surgery to remove as much of his tumor as possible in June, he said in a video, “I’m in the pre-surgical suite at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital where I worked for 25 years.” He added, “I’m anxious and nervous about how it’s going to turn out but I know I’m in great hands.”
Though the results are so far encouraging, Scolyer and the team said they are waiting to see if they remain consistent for another few months before they “really celebrate.”
FAQs:
How did Professor Richard Scolyer come to know about his disease?
Professor Richard Scolyer, recognized for his pioneering melanoma research, was traveling Europe and lecturing at medical conferences when he woke up with a headache and suffered a seizure in May. After undergoing tests in June, Scolyer was diagnosed with glioblastoma, which is an aggressive and terminal form of brain cancer that would give him a median of 14 months to live.
How did Professor Richard Scolyer decide to act like a ‘guinea pig’?
When the world’s leading pathologist Professor Richard Scolyer was diagnosed with an incurable brain tumor, he decided to act as a ‘guinea pig’ and undergo world-first treatment in an attempt to save his own life.
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