In a recent appearance on "A Current Affair", Professor Scolyer confirmed his health has deteriorated after a period of stability. Although the tumor continues to grow, significantly impacting his physical condition, the 57-year-old expert affirmed his commitment to enjoying life and contributing to medicine. Previously, in february, doctors had given him a prognosis of only three months to live when his illness recurred, but he has bravely surpassed that grim timeline by more than half a year.

"In a way, I'm embarrassed that I'm still here, so far beyond all predictions. For some reason, I'm still alive, even doing better than expected," Scolyer said.

Professor Richard Scolyer. *Photo: Nikki Short*

The man, who was named "Australian of the Year 2024", was diagnosed with glioblastoma in 5/2023. This is the most aggressive form of brain cancer, with survival prognosis rarely exceeding 12 months. Instead of accepting a standard treatment regimen, he collaborated with his close colleague, Professor Georgina Long, to devise an unprecedented and bold counter-attack plan.

The research team applied a combined immunotherapy approach, training the body to recognize and destroy malignant cells. Scolyer became the first brain cancer patient in the world to receive immunotherapy drugs before surgery, while also receiving a personalized vaccine formulated based on the characteristics of his own tumor.

The immunotherapy (CAR-T) and mRNA vaccine originated from a team of professors at the University of Florida, US. The vaccine is based on mRNA technology, previously used to prevent Covid-19. Instead of activating the immune system to recognize virus spike proteins, the vaccine contains multiple layers of mRNA (particles) extracted from the patient's brain tumor genetic material.

The particles are packaged into "onion-like" structures, resembling a dangerous virus, and injected into the patient's bloodstream, thereby alerting the immune system to attack and destroy similarly characterized cancer cells in the brain.

"They alert the immune system much more clearly than single particles," explained Elias Sayour, a pediatric oncology expert at the University of Florida. Within 48 hours of starting treatment, the tumor transitioned from a "cold" state (frozen beyond the immune system's reach) to a "hot" state, promoting robust immune activity.

Initial research was conducted on mice, dogs, and finally tested on 4 glioblastoma patients, one of whom was Scolyer. The trials showed increased patient survival across different cancer models. Recently, an expanded clinical trial involving 24 patients confirmed these results.

Professor Richard Scolyer shared that his memory and athletic abilities have declined due to the impact of his illness. *Photo: Instagram*

This medical gamble initially yielded positive results, with him being cancer-free for 10 months, far exceeding the initial six-month prognosis. However, the recurrence earlier this year is causing noticeable neurological damage. The professor admitted his memory has deteriorated severely to the point where he has to write his children's names on his hand to avoid miscalling them. His motor skills, especially his passion for running, have also been severely affected.

"Things are definitely getting worse, and it's frustrating at times. I usually only talk about positive things and don't want anyone to be sad, but the truth is, my health is always fluctuating," he shared.

Despite the grim reality, Scolyer still plans to celebrate christmas with his family and anticipates traveling abroad next year. He is also committed to participating in the Tour de Cure fundraising event next march. His persistent fight has strongly motivated the medical community, prompting Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to announce the establishment of a national cancer research center named after Scolyer and Long, aimed at improving survival chances for future brain and melanoma patients.

Binh Minh (*According to News, 9Now*)