A study on one patient cannot conclude whether a drug works, but researchers were buoyed by the results. Cancer-fighting immune cells were more plentiful, diverse and active in tissues taken from the tumour treated with immunotherapy.
They found one drug had bound to T-cells within the tumour, indicating it could cross the “blood-brain barrier” that prevents some molecules from entering the cerebrospinal fluid.
“That’s pretty magnificent,” Long said. “We’re seeing these big fat molecules can actually get into the tumour.”
Scans taken 17 months after the treatment, which was followed by conventional surgery and radiotherapy, showed no evidence of recurrence.
People with glioblastoma have an average survival time of 12 to 18 months. Only one in four patients survive more than one year, and less than 5 per cent survive more than three years.
What happens next
The trial, spearheaded by leading Melbourne neuro-oncologist Dr Jim Whittle, could be launched within a year. Details are being finalised but only newly diagnosed glioblastoma patients will be recruited.
Whittle said the developments were exciting, but the trial would not be appropriate for everyone.
“The community that surrounds this disease needs options urgently and that is reflected in our work every day,” he said.
A waiting game
Scolyer, who, alongside Long, was named 2024 Australian of the Year and published his memoir in October, has provided regular social media updates on his treatment.
In a post earlier this month, Scolyer said his most recent scans showed some changes “which could be an effect of my previous treatment or recurrent brain tumour”.
Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
