Richard Scolyer encouraged Australians to enrol in research. Here's how

In a posthumous open letter, renowned pathologist and melanoma researcher Richard Scolyer made a final plea to Australians, urging them to consider enrolling in clinical trials. Scolyer, who died after participating in research himself, expressed pride in his involvement and advocated for continued support of scientific and medical research.

“

To all cancer patients, I encourage you to consider enrolling in research and clinical trials, if on offer. And to government and the wider community, please keep funding science and medical research. This is the most impactful way that you too can make a difference.

"To all cancer patients, I encourage you to consider enrolling in research and clinical trials, if on offer," he wrote. "And to government and the wider community, please keep funding science and medical research. This is the most impactful way that you too can make a difference."

His sentiment is echoed by Tom Valenta, an 80-year-old who has enrolled in three clinical trials since 2017 for glaucoma, an eye disease affecting his vision. Valenta finds participating in research provides him with a sense of purpose and is deeply rewarding, offering hope that a cure might be found.

“

I'm about to turn 80 and to have a sense of purpose at my age and stage is a really good thing. The thought that I can, you know, help in this area is very, very rewarding for me.

Clinical trials are crucial for testing new treatments, diagnostic methods, and procedures. In Australia, approximately 1,850 new trials are conducted annually, primarily in Victoria and New South Wales, states with robust clinical trial infrastructure. Participants may receive experimental drugs or placebos, with researchers using these comparisons to determine a treatment's efficacy. For many, like Valenta, the process is straightforward and involves minimal hardship.

“

no hardship involved