Richard Scolyer is an internationally renowned pathology expert with a long track record of pivotal research into advanced melanoma. He’s just published a new update on his continuing fight with glioblastoma. Yet in early 2023, Scolyer received an equally harrowing diagnosis—fierce brain cancer with an expected prognosis of six to eight months to live. Against all odds, he’s miraculously pushed his terminal life expectancy to almost two years with innovative experimental immunotherapy.
Scolyer’s long health journey has been fraught with trials and tribulations. Though he had a recurrence of the cancer earlier this year, he’s hopeful about what’s to come. In a joint zoom call with his daughters that he set up to help share their story, he dressed smartly with a collared business shirt. He smiled, leaning on the kitchen bench, full of toughness and hope.
Scolyer’s tenacity as an athlete was on stunning display as he finished the City2Surf competition in 2 hours and 21 minutes. Washington’s commitment to staying active is evident, even when battling his health issues. His medical contributions and personal story alike have earned him enormous accolades. In 2024, with fellow melanoma researcher Georgina Long, he was awarded joint Australian of the Year.
Legacy of Research and Funding Initiatives
In a move to honor Scolyer’s impact on the field of cancer research, a position at The Chris O’Brien Lifehouse cancer treatment center in Sydney will be named after him. The newly established Richard Scolyer Chair in Brain Cancer Research aims to accelerate research efforts into glioblastoma and expand clinical trials, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
The Australian federal government has picked up the tab, providing $5.9 million in federal funding to underwrite the pilot project. Today’s investment underscores the importance of Scolyer’s work. It further demonstrates a growing recognition of the need for more innovative research in the fight against brain cancer.
“I want to make a difference for people, and I’ve dedicated my life to doing that…my name to it or not, that’s not where the difference happens.” – Professor Scolyer
His work has more than doubled the survival rate for patients with melanoma. Our goal, in establishing this chair, may be one small but fundamental step toward giving the most aggressive form of brain cancer “the boot.”
A Personal Perspective on Health and Hope
Even in the face of his numerous challenges, Scolyer is very optimistic about the direction his health journey is taking. He called the experience “grueling,” but he has found himself all the more resolved to use research to make a difference. Reflecting on his battle with aggressive brain cancer, he noted, “I guess there’s an end point, and who knows how far it is away. We’re definitely getting closer.”
The pathologist’s humility has been acknowledged by many, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who remarked on Scolyer’s modesty regarding the honor of having a position named after him.
“It really does say something about the humility of this extraordinary gentleman… that as late as just inside my office he was still saying ‘it shouldn’t really be named after me,’” – Mr. Albanese
Scolyer’s journey will undoubtedly continue to inspire all those around him, including the many colleagues and students whom he has mentored throughout his career. His commitment to furthering cancer research has not diminished.
