Australian of the Year Opens Up About His Final Months
Professor Richard Scolyer has revealed that his brain cancer has returned, and doctors have given him only months to live. The renowned melanoma researcher and 2024 Australian of the Year had previously defied expectations after undergoing pioneering immunotherapy. However, recent scans showed the aggressive tumour is back.
In a heartfelt Richard Scolyer update, he shared the devastating news on social media, saying, “Unfortunately, there is a larger volume of quickly growing brain cancer (glioblastoma, IDH WT, unmethylated etc) in my left brain.”
Figure 1: Professor Richard Scolyer has revealed that his brain cancer has returned, and doctors have given him only months to live. [Collected From: Instagram/@profrscolyer]
Experimental Treatment Delayed the Inevitable
Professor Richard Scolyer was diagnosed with an incurable form of brain cancer in 2023. Instead of following conventional treatment, he volunteered to be “patient zero” for a groundbreaking immunotherapy approach based on melanoma research.
Figure 2: Dr. Richard Scolyer, a melanoma specialist who has saved thousands of lives, talks with Allison Langdon, host of A Current Affair, about the news of his brain cancer recurrence. [Picture: ACA]
He underwent the experimental treatment before surgery, a world-first approach developed by his colleague and fellow Australian of the Year, Professor Georgina Long. The treatment extended his survival well beyond the initial six-to-eight-month prognosis.
Despite the remarkable response, Professor Scolyer’s latest scans confirmed the tumour had returned aggressively. He underwent surgery last week, but doctors could not remove all the cancer.
“The prognosis is poor,” Professor Richard Scolyer wrote. “Whilst some of my recurrent tumour was removed last week, some of it couldn’t be because of its site.”
Focusing on Family Instead of Further Treatment
Speaking on A Current Affair Tonight, Dr Richard Scolyer said he now wants to spend his remaining time with his wife Katie and their three children—Emily, Matthew, and Lucy.
Figure 3: Dr Richard Scolyer shared that he wishes to spend his remaining time with his wife, Katie, and their three children—Emily, Matthew, and Lucy. [Australian Story: Jack Fisher]
“It could help, but my heart’s not in the same place as what it was before,” he said about further treatment.
In an emotional moment, he reflected on life’s unpredictability.
“It’s not fair, but there’s a lesson for everyone … make the most of every day because you don’t know what’s around the corner.”
Despite his grim outlook, Prof Richard Scolyer remains grateful.
“I’m not ready to go yet. I love my life. I guess I feel lucky that I’ve been able to go for so long without a recurrence of it.”
Legacy of a Medical Pioneer
Although Professor Scolyer faces a terminal prognosis, his groundbreaking research has given hope to future cancer patients. The data from his treatment was recently published in Nature Medicine, and further clinical trials could prove its effectiveness.
“I hope the latter will change the field and patient outcomes in the not too distant future,” Professor Scolyer said.
His work in melanoma treatment has already saved countless lives. A commenter on social media expressed their admiration, saying, “Know that you have made such an impact in your work … Others will build upon the work you’ve done for decades to come. Your work and life are meaningful.”
A Fighter Until the End
Professor Richard Scolyer has remained candid about his journey, sharing updates with his 28,000 social media followers. Even in the face of death, his determination to contribute to science remains strong.
“Unfortunately for me, I got one of the worst of the worst brain cancers where there isn’t a cure for it. Bugger that. I’m not happy to accept that,” he told Australian Story last year. “I want to do something that gives me a fighting chance against this tumour.”
Doctors have told Dr Richard Scolyer that he has only months left. He acknowledges the reality but still finds gratitude in his journey.
“I can feel the difference already … my brain’s not working the same way as it has in the past. I can feel I’m going downhill in a way I haven’t experienced, and that’s tough.
“But in all honesty, I didn’t think I’d be alive today, so I am grateful that I’ve been able to make a difference to future patients.”
A Lasting Impact
While Professor Richard Scolyer’s time is running out, his work will continue to shape cancer research for years to come. His willingness to undergo experimental treatment has paved the way for potential new therapies.
“I greatly appreciate the support of all my family, friends, and colleagues who have been looking after me so well,” he said.
“I hope [the research] will make a difference for others.”
The world will remember Professor Richard Scolyer not just for his medical breakthroughs but for his resilience, courage, and unwavering commitment to saving lives.
