Richard Scolyer has ‘months to live’

Former Australian of the Year Richard Scolyer has been given months to live after embarking on experimental treatment for his incurable brain tumour.

Former Australian of the Year Richard Scolyer. Picture: Nine

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Former Australian of the Year Richard Scolyer has been given months to live after embarking on experimental treatment for his incurable brain tumour.

The world-renowned pathologist and researcher was diagnosed with the “worst of the worst” type of glioblastoma two years ago and underwent surgery to remove most of the brain ­tumour in 2023.

After a promising few years, Dr Scolyer had another surgery in March, revealing the tumour had grown back and had infiltrated critical parts of his brain so it could not be removed.

“The prognosis is not good for something like this,” he told The Sydney Morning Herald.

“It’s in months, not years … It’s not unexpected, but it’s still devastating.”

Throughout his career Dr Scolyer helped save thousands of lives in his former role as co-medical director of the Melanoma Institute Australia.

After receiving his devastating diagnosis Mr Scoyler put his body on the line, using his vast knowledge of melanoma to experiment and progress his own brain cancer treatment.

Just months after his diagnosis Dr Scolyer and his colleague Georgina Long received the 2024 Australian of the Year Award for their world-first cancer treatment breakthroughs.

“Less than a decade ago, ­advanced melanoma was fatal – but thanks to advances in ­immunotherapy that activate a patient’s own immune system, it has become a curable disease,” read a statement from the National Australia Day Council.

“In June 2023, when Richard was diagnosed with incurable Grade 4 brain cancer, Georgina developed a series of world-first treatments based on melanoma breakthroughs.

Dr Richard Scolyer, who has helped save thousands with melanoma, has revealed his brain cancer has returned. Picture: ACA

Dr Richard Scolyer revealed his brain cancer has returned. Picture: ACA

“Richard became the world’s first brain cancer patient to havepre-surgery combination immunotherapy, an experimental treatment hoping to advance the understanding of brain cancer.”

Dr Scoyler said that while he had survived for 21 months, three out of four people aged over 50 with the same type of glioblastoma died within 12 months.

“Of course, it’s cruel,” he told the Sydney Morning Herald.

“But everyone has ups and downs in their lives … Looking down the barrel of not being here much longer, I’ve loved the life I’ve lived.

“I’ve got a wonderful family, and the work contributions are something that I’m very proud of.

“So make the most of your time. You never know what’s around the corner.”

While Scolyer’s medical team will consider further treatment, including chemotherapy, he has been referred to a palliative care team.

Dr Scoyler is now spending his time in Sydney’s inner west with wife Katie and their children Emily, 20, Matt, 19, and Lucy, 17.