When Professor Scolyer was diagnosed with the "the worst of the worst" - incurable - type of brain cancer, Professor Long devised a plan adapting the extensive immunotherapy knowledge from their melanoma work to treat Professor Scolyer's brain cancer.
It was risky, with Professor Scolyer the "guinea pig" for the novel approach. But, given the aggressive brain cancer was going to kill him, Professor Scolyer said it took him "a millisecond to say, 'Yes, this is what I want to do'."
Medical and scientific authorities took a little longer to convince, though, because clinical trials had not been done. Professor Scolyer and his wife, Katie, also a pathologist, lobbied the authorities, emphasising that he was deeply familiar with the science involved and knew the risks. The go-ahead was eventually given.
So, how does it work? Professor Long targeted Professor Scolyer's specific brain tumour with a unique combination immunotherapy that was applied for 12 days before surgery. Professor Scolyer then underwent brain surgery to remove as much of the tumour as possible. He received radiation after the operation and continues to receive immunotherapy and a personalised vaccine.
Scolyer, named Australian of the Year alongside Professor Georgina Long, applied his own findings to treat himself, and almost a year later after undergoing the treatment, he is cancer free
He underwent pioneering immunotherapy, a treatment he helped develop.
His success not only benefits him but also advances brain cancer understanding, potentially changing treatment approaches.
Doctor Cured own Brain Cancer Experimental Treatment for Brain Cancer Worked #braincancertreatment #cancertreatment #braincancer
