Australian Doctor Richard Scolyer Passes Away After Experimental Brain Tumour Treatment
Pioneering Australian doctor Richard Scolyer has died, three years after being diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour.
Scolyer, aged 59, gained international attention for his decision to undergo a risky, world-first experimental treatment for his glioblastoma, administered by his friend Professor Georgina Long. This treatment was based on their own scientific breakthroughs in skin cancer.
Their collaborative work on advanced melanoma, once considered a fatal diagnosis, has saved countless lives. Encouraging results from treating Scolyer's brain tumour have led to an early-stage clinical trial in the United States.
"I wanted to keep contributing, even in my darkest hour," Scolyer wrote in an open letter announcing his passing.
"I pen this letter as a final goodbye to all those I have had the immense privilege of loving, sharing life's adventures with, working alongside and meeting during what can only be described as a life filled with happiness, optimism, opportunity and passion."
Regarded as one of Australia's most respected medical experts, Professor Scolyer was considered a national treasure. In 2024, he was named Australian of the Year alongside Professor Long.
As co-directors of the Melanoma Institute Australia, the pair's research over the past decade on immunotherapy—which harnesses the body's immune system to attack cancer cells—has dramatically improved outcomes for patients with advanced melanoma worldwide. Survival rates have increased significantly, with half of patients now essentially cured, compared to less than 10% previously.
Scolyer also expressed pride in mentoring emerging pathologists throughout his career.
"I have always been driven by the belief that we all have a responsibility to try to change the future for others and leave the world a better place... I have lived that ethos to the fullest."
Becoming a 'Guinea Pig'
In a 2024 interview with the BBC, Scolyer explained that he refused to accept his shocking diagnosis passively.
Glioblastomas, which develop in the brain's connective tissue, are notoriously aggressive. The standard treatment protocol—immediate surgical removal followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy—has remained largely unchanged for two decades. Most patients with Scolyer's tumour type survive less than a year.
"It didn't sit right with me… to just accept certain death without trying something," Prof Scolyer said.
"It's an incurable cancer? Well bugger that!"
Professor Long shared his determination. After learning of her friend's diagnosis, she spent hours grieving before devising a plan.
Her team had discovered in melanoma that immunotherapy is more effective when a combination of drugs is used and when administered before surgery to remove a tumour. Consequently, in 2023, Professor Scolyer became the first brain cancer patient to receive combination, pre-surgery immunotherapy.
He was also administered a vaccine personalized to his tumour's characteristics, designed to enhance the cancer-detecting capabilities of the drugs.
Scolyer and Long acknowledged that the odds of a cure were "minuscule" but hoped the experimental treatment would extend his life.
Subsequent scans appeared to show a positive immune response in the brain, and a small clinical trial is currently attempting to replicate those results.
"This was science in action!" said esteemed melanoma surgeon John Thompson AO in a statement paying tribute to his friend.
Describing Scolyer as a "cheery, down-to-earth, lad from Launceston" and a brilliant, internationally recognised scientist, Thompson added:
"He will be remembered as a truly great Australian."
Scolyer is survived by his wife, fellow pathologist Katie Nicholl, and their three children.
In his letter, Scolyer reflected on his condition during his final weeks, suggesting he was "perhaps lucky" that the physical and cognitive effects of his brain cancer likely prevented him from fully realizing his decline.
"I write this knowing that my wonderful family would have been by my side every minute, as they have been throughout my cancer journey… They are shining examples of the best of humanity and make me extremely proud."
Scolyer, who documented his treatment journey online, also expressed gratitude to Australians for their support.
"You've laughed with me, cried with me, and provided encouragement and support to keep going just when I needed it most. I haven't sugar coated my journey and I sincerely thank you for allowing me the space and opportunity to share it with you, warts and all."
He concluded with an appeal for continued scientific courage and government funding for innovation.
"We can and should continue to push boundaries to propel the cancer field forward."
