Australian Doctor Richard Scolyer Dies After Experimental Brain Cancer Treatment

Pioneering Australian pathologist Richard Scolyer has died at age 59, three years after an aggressive glioblastoma diagnosis. Scolyer underwent the first known use of combination pre-surgery immunotherapy for brain cancer, a protocol drawn from the pair's melanoma research. Scans later showed an immune response in the brain, prompting a small U.S. clinical trial now testing the same approach.

Standard glioblastoma care has changed little in two decades, with most patients surviving less than a year. Scolyer rejected that outlook and, with Long, chose immunotherapy drugs given before surgery plus a personalised vaccine. The regimen had previously lifted advanced-melanoma survival from under 10 percent to roughly 50 percent.

Scolyer and Long knew the odds for a brain-tumour cure were low but hoped to extend his life.

“It didn't sit right with me... to just accept certain death without trying something," Prof Scolyer said.”

Institute Australia, Scolyer and Long advanced immunotherapy research that has altered global melanoma outcomes. In 2024 they were jointly named Australian of the Year. Scolyer also highlighted his mentoring of younger pathologists as a lasting contribution.

“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," he wrote.”

In an open letter released after his death, Scolyer thanked Australians for their support and urged continued scientific risk-taking and government funding for innovation. He is survived by his wife, pathologist Katie Nicholl, and their three children.