‘It’s a miracle I’m still here’: Richard Scolyer rides with Tour de Cure as research pushes forward

Professor Richard Scolyer has spent his career researching cancer. Now, he is living with it.

He joined riders on a leg of the Tour de Cure Signature Tour in Tasmania, as he continues treatment for glioblastoma — an aggressive form of brain cancer with a typically short survival time. 

“It’s a miracle that I’m still here,” he said. “In fact, I’m still here nearly three years… the average is roughly 12 months.” 

Scolyer has used his diagnosis to push research forward, including trialling treatments based on his work in melanoma. 

“To be on the other side of the table as one of the patients having cancer is definitely very tough at times, but also a lot of opportunities to really push things,” he said. 

Turning diagnosis into momentum

Sam McGuane, CEO of The Brain Cancer Centre, said Scolyer has changed how the disease is discussed and researched.

“Richard gave us a platform. He gave us permission to talk about everything to do with brain cancer research — the idea that we need to do more,” he said. 

He said Scolyer’s work and willingness to undergo experimental treatment has helped accelerate new approaches, including an Australian-led immunotherapy trial now reaching patients overseas. 

“Because of Richard and the work of the people around him, right now, there are people in the US who yesterday might have been told by their doctors, ‘we don’t have anything for you’… but today they might say, ‘we’ve got this really interesting immunotherapy clinical trial’,” he said. 

A complex disease with limited options

Despite advances in other cancers, brain cancer remains one of the hardest to treat.

“There’s still a couple at the end where nothing’s got better. And one of which is brain cancer,” Scolyer said.  

Experts say the disease is particularly difficult because of how it spreads and the limits of current treatments.

“Brain cancer is not a solid cell cancer… it’s highly infiltrated… it’s absolutely insidious,” McGuane said. 

Progress will depend on new approaches and sustained investment.

Riding to fund breakthroughs

Tour de Cure’s Signature Tour — a multi-day ride from Canberra to Hobart — raises money for cancer research. 

CEO David Mann said the organisation has funded $164 million in research projects, contributing to breakthroughs across cancer types.

He said the total number of breakthroughs has now reached 250. 

“We’ve been lucky enough to come across the right researchers doing the right work and producing incredible results,” he said. 
 
One of those researchers is Richard Scolyer who has contributed to at least nine of those breakthroughs.

“He is an inspiration to everybody who meets him… just a remarkable character,” Mann said.  

Community effort behind the cause

The event draws support from across the community, including long-term partners. 

Nathan Barker, CommBank Executive Manager, Community Investment, said the partnership helps improve outcomes for patients.

“If you get that really bad news… there can be hope and that lives can be improved,” he said.  

The bank’s employee-led Can4Cancer program, part of the CommBank Staff Foundation, has supported Tour de Cure for more 12 years.

The partnership has helped fund more than $22 million in research and contributed to more than 50 breakthroughs.  

More than 9,000 employees, along with families and suppliers, have taken part in fundraising efforts. 

Looking ahead 

Despite the challenges, Scolyer said his focus remains on making the most of the time he has and continuing to contribute.

“Enjoy life and try and get as much out of it as possible,” he said.  

His work — as both researcher and patient — is helping shape new treatments and offering hope to others facing the same diagnosis.