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Pioneering Researcher Richard Scolyer Dies After Brain Cancer Battle
His experimental immunotherapy helped spur early clinical trials in the United States and new funding for brain cancer research, his family said.
- On Sunday, Professor Richard Scolyer, a world-renowned melanoma pathologist and former Australian of the Year, died at age 59. Scolyer gained global attention for undergoing experimental immunotherapy for his aggressive glioblastoma.
- Alongside colleague Professor Georgina Long, Scolyer became the first glioblastoma patient to receive pre-surgery combination immunotherapy. The pair applied successful skin cancer protocols to his brain tumour, hoping to defy the 14-month median survival rate.
- Recognized as a national treasure, Scolyer and Long were named joint 2024 Australians of the Year for revolutionizing melanoma treatment. Their work spurred a $5.9 million federal commitment to establish the Richard Scolyer Chair in Brain Cancer Research.
- Throughout his illness, Scolyer maintained courageous advocacy, completing 250 Parkruns and cycling the Tour de Cure. He documented his journey to provide transparency and hope, amassing thousands of followers while pushing for clinical trials.
- In a final farewell, Scolyer expressed hope his participation would benefit future patients, stating he wanted to be remembered as an Australian who "gave it a crack." He is survived by his wife, Katie, and three children.
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Renowned cancer researcher Richard Scolyer dies at 59 after testing experimental brain tumour therapy on himself
The Australian pathologist and 2024 Australian of the Year pioneered a world-first treatment for his own glioblastoma, helping launch new clinical trials before his death
·Mumbai, India
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Australian cancer specialist Richard Scolyer dies at 59 after pioneering treatment
Richard Scolyer (left) and his longtime collaborator Georgina Long (centre) hosted Britain’s King Charles III at Melanoma Institute Australia in 2024. (AFP pic) WELLINGTON: Richard Scolyer, the Australian cancer specialist who became a test case for an experimental treatment after being diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour, has died aged 59, prompting tributes to a researcher whose work helped transform melanoma care. He died on Sunday nigh…
·Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources36
Leaning Left17Leaning Right7Center6Last UpdatedBias Distribution57% Left
Bias Distribution
- 57% of the sources lean Left
57% Left
L 57%
C 20%
R 23%
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