Australian of the Year Richard Scolyer Celebrates One Year Cancer-Free
Richard Scolyer, the 2023 Australian of the Year, has received positive news in his battle with brain cancer. A recent scan revealed no recurrence of the disease, marking a significant milestone one year after his initial diagnosis.
Professor Scolyer, 57, was diagnosed with glioblastoma IDH wild-type in 2022. He became "patient zero" in a groundbreaking immunotherapy approach based on his own research on melanoma. This treatment has shown remarkable results.
In a recent Instagram post, Professor Scolyer shared the news of his clear scan. "I had a brain MRI scan last Thursday looking for recurrent glioblastoma... found out yesterday that there is still no sign of recurrence. I couldn't be happier!!!!!," he wrote.
He expressed gratitude to his medical team, especially his wife Katie and family, for their unwavering support.
Professor Scolyer's journey began with a seizure in Poland, leading to his diagnosis. In a video last year, he shared his fear for the future but also his excitement for the support he received from colleagues and people worldwide.
Glioblastoma is an aggressive form of cancer with a low survival rate. Professor Scolyer's research partner and fellow Australian of the Year, oncologist Georgina Long, adapted their melanoma treatment research to target his brain cancer.
The duo co-direct the Melanoma Institute Australia, where they revolutionized melanoma treatment with combination immunotherapy before tumor removal.
Professor Scolyer's social media pages have been flooded with messages of gratitude and hope for a cure from brain cancer patients and those who have lost loved ones to the disease.
A scientific paper detailing Professor Scolyer's treatment is currently undergoing peer review.