‘Your work and life are meaningful’: Leading cancer doctor reveals return of brain cancer

A leading Australian doctor reveals he has just months to live, as there are hopes the experimental treatment he underwent will save lives in the future.

A leading melanoma researcher and Australian of the Year recipient has revealed he has months to live following the return of his brain cancer.

Diagnosed with incurable brain cancer two years ago, Richard Scolyer put his hand up for experimental treatment, and following the treatment, he defied the six-month prognosis.

In November, he was told he was cancer-free.

Analysis of the immunotherapy treatment was published in late February, but an operation last week found the tumours had returned to his brain.

“Unfortunately there is a larger volume of quickly growing brain cancer (glioblastoma, IDH WT, unmethylated etc) in my left brain,” Professor Scolyer posted on social media on Monday.

Richard Scolyer has been given a grim prognosis. Picture: Supplied

“The prognosis is poor. Whilst some of my recurrent tumour was removed last week, some of it couldn’t be because of its site.”

More testing is needed to discover if the experimental treatment prolonged his life. However, he and his friend and colleague, Georgina Long, were named 2024 Australians of the Year for developing the treatment, which is based on their expertise in melanomas.

On Monday, Professor Scolyer said he hoped the treatment he volunteered for would help other people.

There are hopes further trials of the immunotherapy treatment Richard Scolyer volunteered for, could help cancer patients in the future. Picture: Supplied

“I greatly appreciate the support of all my family, friends and colleagues who have been looking after me so well and the incredible research that has been performed,” he said.

“I hope the latter will change the field and patient outcomes in the not too distant future.”

In an emotional interview with Ally Langdon on A Current Affair on Monday, the father-of-three said this time he could try experimental drug treatments, but instead wanted to spend his last days with family.

“It could help, but my heart’s not in the same place as what it was before,” he said of the drug treatments.

“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.”

A Current Affair host Allison Langdon interviews Dr Richard Scolyer, who has helped save thousands with melanoma, has revealed his brain cancer has returned. Picture: ACA

Richard Scolyer is hopeful the experimental treatment he volunteered for could help people. Picture: ACA

“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.”

Professor Scolyer has been sharing his journey on a social media blog, which is followed by 28,000 people.

“I’m so sorry to hear this Richard,” one commenter said under the latest, dire update.

“Know that you have made such an impact in your work – for those with melanoma and opening new possible doors of immunotherapy and other treatments for those with other cancers for whom it may aid in the future,” she said.

“Others will build upon the work you’ve done for decades to come. Your work and life are meaningful, and your personal story has reached people far and wide.”