Professor Richard Scolyer, an Australian doctor, recently announced that he remains brain cancer-free a year after undergoing a groundbreaking treatment based on his own research.
The 57-year-old utilized his melanoma research to treat his incurable stage 4 glioblastoma, following his diagnosis in June 2023.
Earlier this week, he shared an update on X, writing: “I had a brain #MRI scan last Thursday looking for recurrent #glioblastoma (and/or treatment complications). I found out yesterday that there is still no sign of recurrence. I couldn’t be happier!!!!!”
According to the Cancer Research Institute, cancer immunotherapy harnesses the power of the body’s own immune system to prevent, control, and eliminate cancer.
Scolyer was named the 2024 Australian of the Year for his life-saving research with Melanoma Institute Australia co-medical director Georgina Long.
After initially suffering from epileptic seizures, liver issues, and pneumonia in the first couple of months of treatment, Scolyer now feels “the best” and is back to exercising daily.
However, his research partner Long emphasized that they’re “not there yet” in terms of developing an approved and regulated course of treatment.
“What we have to really focus on is showing that this pre-surgery, combination immunotherapy type of approach works in a large number of people,” Long said.
