Prof Richard Scolyer AO said he is worried about recent scans of his brain after his tumor returned in February
Share and Follow

Former Australian of the Year and pathologist Professor Richard Scolyer has given a health update in his battle with brain cancer.

Scolyer, aged 58, was diagnosed with an aggressive glioblastoma in 2023 and was given just eight months to live.

Scolyer and co-director of the Melanoma Institute, Georgina Long, used an experimental immunotherapy treatment for his glioblastoma and managed to keep it at bay for two years.

Prof Richard Scolyer AO said he is worried about recent scans of his brain after his tumor returned in February
Prof Richard Scolyer AO said he is worried about recent scans of his brain after his tumor returned in February (Instagram)

However, after undergoing scans in February, Scolyer revealed his brain cancer had returned.

He underwent surgery in March to remove as much of the tumour as possible.

The doctor provided a health update to his Instagram yesterday, saying he was “a bit worried” after undergoing another scan.

”I’ve had some different types of therapy to try and mop up what’s left behind, trying to get rid of more of the tumour,” he said in the video. 

Scolyer, aged 58 was diagnosed with an aggressive glioblastoma in 2023 and was given just eight months to live.
Scolyer, aged 58 was diagnosed with an aggressive glioblastoma in 2023 and was given just eight months to live. (Flavio Brancaleone)

“The problem with it is…there are little tentacles that go off at the periphery, so we’ve got to find a type of therapy that can mop up and cure those leftover wretched tumour cells that are there

“So, trying some different therapies, seeing if they’ll work, and then depending on what their scan shows, I guess that’ll help choose what the next forms of therapy that I can have.

The former Australian of the year said he was feeling “a bit up and down” after the scan.

“It’s a tough journey at times, but other times I’m super happy,” he said.

“Fingers crossed this operation won’t be too bad, and we can move forward with the next form of therapy and hopefully push things along faster to try and get things opened up for many, many patients who’ve got glioblastoma.”

Scolyer and Long were both awarded the Australian of the Year award in 2024 for their work in brain cancer research. 

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Belgian traveller Céline Cremer.

Family Faces Challenging Period Following Discovery of Remains in Tourist Search

Relatives of a Belgian tourist missing for more than two years in…

Newly Sober Parent Embraces Self-Care with Unique ‘Time-Out’ Approach to Recovery

Parents today face a myriad of challenges, from bridging generational gaps to…
An Array of Australian Money

Unexpected HECS Clause Causes Delays in Tax Refunds, Frustrates Australian Graduates

The federal government’s 20 per cent HECS reduction scheme has resulted in…
Annie-Maureen and Rod fell victim to the violent attack.

Couple Threatened at Gunpoint in Violent Home Invasion Incident

A couple has described being held at gunpoint after opportunistic thugs targeted…
BHP logo Perth

Australia’s Corporate Ladder Shifts: New Leader Emerges as Most Valuable Company

Mining giant BHP has consolidated its new crown as Australia’s most valuable…

Doomsday Clock Moves Closer to Midnight in Unprecedented Update

The Doomsday Clock has been moved to its most perilous position yet,…

Unveiling Australia’s $335 Million Scam Epidemic: How Fraudsters Struck in Just 12 Months

Australians faced a staggering financial blow last year, with scams siphoning away…
Piper James, 19, was found dead on K'Gari, formerly known as Fraser Island, yesterday morning surrounded by a pack of about 10 dingoes.

Controversial Dingo Cull Sparks Debate After Tragic Death of Piper James: Experts Warn of Ineffectiveness

A tragic discovery was made when 19-year-old James was found deceased on…