Australian doctor Richard Scolyer, known for his pioneering research on melanoma, remains cancer-free a year after undergoing a world-first treatment for glioblastoma. Glioblastoma is an aggressive form of brain cancer with a low survival rate. However, Scolyer’s latest MRI scan showed no recurrence of the tumor. Scolyer, along with his colleague Georgina Long, was named Australian of the Year for their groundbreaking work on melanoma. Their research on immunotherapy has significantly improved outcomes for advanced melanoma patients, with half now essentially cured. Scolyer is now receiving the same immunotherapy treatment in the hope of finding a cure for his brain cancer.

The treatment involves a combination of drugs administered before surgery to remove the tumor. Scolyer is also the first patient to receive a personalized vaccine that enhances the cancer-detecting abilities of the drugs. Although he faced challenges during the initial months of treatment, including seizures and other health issues, Scolyer is now feeling healthier and is back to exercising daily. While he acknowledges that his brain cancer is not cured, he is grateful for the extra time he has to enjoy life with his family.

The results of Scolyer’s treatment have generated excitement in the medical community, as they may lead to a discovery that could benefit the thousands of people diagnosed with brain cancer each year. Scolyer and Long hope that their experimental treatment will prolong Scolyer’s life and eventually lead to clinical trials for glioblastoma patients. However, they emphasize that they are still far from developing an approved and regulated course of treatment. They are currently awaiting the review of a scientific paper detailing the initial results of Scolyer’s treatment.

While Scolyer’s prognosis was initially considered grim, his earlier results have been encouraging. However, doctors caution that more time is needed to determine the long-term effectiveness of the treatment. Scolyer is proud of the data his treatment has generated and is grateful to his family and medical team for supporting this experimental approach. He believes that this direction is worth further investigation and provides hope for future patients.

Original news source: Top doctor cancer-free a year after world-first therapy (BBC)

🎧 Listen:

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📖 Vocabulary:

Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– News Summary
Instructions:
1. Divide the class into small groups.
2. Assign each group a specific aspect of the article to summarize (e.g. Scolyer’s treatment, the results, the hopes for future patients, etc.).
3. Give the groups a few minutes to read and discuss their assigned section.
4. Each group must then present a brief summary of their assigned aspect to the rest of the class.
5. Encourage discussion and questions after each summary.

– Opinion Poll
Instructions:
1. Ask the students to individually write down their opinion on the following question: “Do you think Scolyer’s treatment will lead to a cure for glioblastoma?”
2. Have the students pair up and share their opinions with each other, discussing their reasoning.
3. After a few minutes, bring the class back together and conduct a poll, asking students to raise their hands to indicate whether they agree or disagree with the statement.
4. Facilitate a class discussion, allowing students to share their opinions and reasons for their stance.

– Sketch It
Instructions:
1. Divide the class into pairs.
2. Give each pair a piece of paper and a pen or pencil.
3. Instruct one student in each pair to describe a key aspect of the article (e.g. Scolyer’s treatment, the importance of immunotherapy, etc.) while the other student sketches what they hear.
4. After a few minutes, have the pairs switch roles.
5. Allow time for the pairs to share and discuss their sketches with each other and the class.

– Pros and Cons
Instructions:
1. Divide the class into two groups.
2. Assign one group to brainstorm the pros of Scolyer’s treatment and the other group to brainstorm the cons.
3. Give the groups a few minutes to discuss and write down their ideas.
4. Have each group present their list of pros or cons to the rest of the class.
5. Encourage a class discussion, allowing students to add to or challenge the ideas presented.

– Future Predictions
Instructions:
1. Instruct the students to individually write down their predictions for the future of cancer treatment based on the article.
2. After a few minutes, have the students pair up and share their predictions with each other, discussing their reasoning.
3. Bring the class back together and allow students to share their predictions with the rest of the class.
4. Facilitate a class discussion, encouraging students to discuss and debate the feasibility and potential impact of the predictions.

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. What is glioblastoma and why is it considered aggressive?
2. How has the immunotherapy treatment improved outcomes for advanced melanoma patients?
3. What challenges did Richard Scolyer face during the initial months of treatment?
4. How does the personalized vaccine enhance the cancer-detecting abilities of the drugs?
5. What is the significance of Richard Scolyer’s treatment results in the medical community?
6. What are Richard Scolyer and Georgina Long’s hopes for their experimental treatment?
7. Why do doctors caution that more time is needed to determine the long-term effectiveness of the treatment?
8. What does Richard Scolyer believe about the direction of his treatment and its potential for future patients?
Go to answers ⇩

🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

(1)______ doctor Richard Scolyer, known for his (2)______ research on melanoma, remains cancer-free a year after undergoing a world-first treatment for glioblastoma. Glioblastoma is an aggressive form of brain cancer with a low survival rate. However, Scolyer’s latest MRI scan showed no recurrence of the tumor. Scolyer, along with his (3)______ Georgina Long, was named Australian of the Year for their (4)______ work on melanoma. Their research on immunotherapy has significantly improved outcomes for advanced melanoma patients, with half now essentially cured. Scolyer is now receiving the same immunotherapy treatment in the hope of finding a cure for his (5)______ cancer.

The treatment involves a combination of drugs administered before surgery to remove the tumor. Scolyer is also the first (6)______ to receive a personalized vaccine that enhances the cancer-detecting abilities of the drugs. Although he faced (7)______ during the initial months of treatment, including seizures and other health issues, Scolyer is now feeling healthier and is back to (8)______ daily. While he acknowledges that his brain cancer is not cured, he is grateful for the extra time he has to enjoy life with his family.

The results of Scolyer’s treatment have generated excitement in the medical community, as they may lead to a (9)______ that could benefit the thousands of people (10)______ with brain cancer each year. Scolyer and Long hope that their experimental treatment will (11)______ Scolyer’s life and eventually lead to clinical trials for glioblastoma (12)______. However, they emphasize that they are still far from developing an approved and regulated course of treatment. They are currently awaiting the review of a scientific paper detailing the initial results of Scolyer’s treatment.

While Scolyer’s (13)______ was initially considered grim, his earlier results have been encouraging. However, doctors caution that more time is needed to determine the long-term (14)______ of the treatment. Scolyer is proud of the data his treatment has (15)______ and is grateful to his family and medical team for supporting this experimental (16)______. He believes that this direction is worth further investigation and provides hope for future patients.
Go to answers ⇩

💬 Discussion Questions:

Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.

1. What is immunotherapy and how does it work?
2. How would you feel if you were diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer like glioblastoma?
3. Do you think it’s important for doctors and researchers to try experimental treatments, even if they are not yet approved or regulated? Why or why not?
4. What is the significance of Scolyer’s treatment being the first of its kind for glioblastoma?
5. How do you think Scolyer’s experience as a doctor and researcher has influenced his approach to his own treatment?
6. Do you think it’s fair that Scolyer received personalized treatment that is not yet available to the general public? Why or why not?
7. How do you think Scolyer’s groundbreaking work on melanoma has influenced his outlook on his own cancer diagnosis?
8. What do you think are the biggest challenges faced by patients who are diagnosed with aggressive forms of cancer?
9. How do you think Scolyer’s experience as a cancer patient will impact his future research and work as a doctor?
10. What is the role of hope in cancer treatment and recovery?
11. How do you think Scolyer’s treatment could potentially change the way brain cancer is treated in the future?
12. Do you think it’s important for doctors and researchers to share their experimental findings with the medical community? Why or why not?
13. How do you think Scolyer’s family has supported him throughout his cancer journey?
14. What are some potential ethical considerations surrounding experimental cancer treatments?
15. How do you think Scolyer’s story could inspire other cancer patients and their families?

Individual Activities

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. pioneering
2. glioblastoma
3. recurrence
4. groundbreaking
5. immunotherapy
6. administered
7. personalized
8. enhances
9. seizures
10. clinical
11. regulated
12. prognosis
13. grim
14. experimental
15. investigation

Meanings:
(A) Involving untested or unproven methods
(B) Given or applied, especially in a formal or systematic way
(C) The return of a disease after a period of improvement
(D) Related to the observation and treatment of actual patients
(E) The act of examining or researching something systematically
(F) A highly aggressive and malignant type of brain cancer
(G) Introducing new and innovative ideas or methods
(H) A type of treatment that uses the body’s immune system to fight diseases
(I) Tailored or customized to an individual’s specific needs
(J) Depressing or worrying, often suggesting a lack of hope
(K) Improves or intensifies the quality or function of something
(L) Sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbances in the brain
(M) Controlled or supervised by rules or regulations
(N) Being the first to explore or develop new methods or ideas
(O) The likely course or outcome of a disease
Go to answers ⇩

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What type of cancer did Richard Scolyer have?
(a) Melanoma
(b) Lung cancer
(c) Breast cancer
(d) Glioblastoma

2. What is the survival rate for glioblastoma?
(a) Low
(b) High
(c) Moderate
(d) Unknown

3. What is the name of the treatment that Scolyer received?
(a) Chemotherapy
(b) Radiation therapy
(c) Immunotherapy
(d) Surgery

4. What is the purpose of the personalized vaccine in Scolyer’s treatment?
(a) Prevent recurrence of the tumor
(b) Cure brain cancer
(c) Improve overall health
(d) Enhance the cancer-detecting abilities of the drugs

5. What challenges did Scolyer face during the initial months of treatment?
(a) Seizures and other health issues
(b) Nausea and vomiting
(c) Hair loss
(d) Fatigue

6. What has Scolyer’s latest MRI scan shown?
(a) Growth of the tumor
(b) No recurrence of the tumor
(c) Spread of the tumor
(d) Unknown

7. What is the hope for Scolyer’s treatment?
(a) Cure his brain cancer
(b) Improve outcomes for advanced melanoma patients
(c) Prolong his life and lead to clinical trials for glioblastoma patients
(d) None of the above

8. What is the current status of Scolyer’s treatment?
(a) Approved and regulated course of treatment
(b) Awaiting the review of a scientific paper detailing the initial results
(c) Clinical trials for glioblastoma patients
(d) None of the above

Go to answers ⇩

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. The treatment involves a combination of drugs administered during surgery to remove the tumor, as well as a personalized vaccine to enhance the cancer-detecting abilities of the drugs.
2. Their research on immunotherapy has significantly improved outcomes for advanced melanoma patients, with half now essentially cured.
3. Glioblastoma is an aggressive form of brain cancer with a low survival rate.
4. Scolyer and his colleague Georgina Long were named Australian of the Year for their groundbreaking work on melanoma.
5. Scolyer’s latest MRI scan showed a recurrence of the tumor.
6. Scolyer’s treatment results have not generated excitement in the medical community and may not lead to a discovery that benefits brain cancer patients.
7. Scolyer is not receiving the same immunotherapy treatment for his brain cancer.
8. Dr. Richard Scolyer, known for his research on melanoma, remains cancer-free a year after receiving a world-first treatment for glioblastoma.
Go to answers ⇩

📝 Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.

Writing Questions:

Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.

1. What is the world-first treatment that Australian doctor Richard Scolyer underwent for glioblastoma?
2. How has Scolyer’s treatment for glioblastoma affected his overall health?
3. What impact has Scolyer’s treatment had on the medical community?
4. What are Scolyer and Long’s hopes for their experimental treatment?
5. What caution do doctors give regarding the long-term effectiveness of Scolyer’s treatment?

✅ Answers

🤔✅ Comprehension Question Answers:

1. What is glioblastoma and why is it considered aggressive?
Glioblastoma is an aggressive form of brain cancer that has a low survival rate. It is considered aggressive because it grows and spreads quickly, making it difficult to treat.

2. How has the immunotherapy treatment improved outcomes for advanced melanoma patients?
The immunotherapy treatment has significantly improved outcomes for advanced melanoma patients, with half now essentially cured. This treatment boosts the body’s immune system to help fight cancer cells.

3. What challenges did Richard Scolyer face during the initial months of treatment?
Richard Scolyer faced challenges during the initial months of treatment, including seizures and other health issues.

4. How does the personalized vaccine enhance the cancer-detecting abilities of the drugs?
The personalized vaccine enhances the cancer-detecting abilities of the drugs by boosting the body’s immune response to specifically target and attack cancer cells.

5. What is the significance of Richard Scolyer’s treatment results in the medical community?
Richard Scolyer’s treatment results have generated excitement in the medical community because they may lead to a discovery that could benefit the thousands of people diagnosed with brain cancer each year.

6. What are Richard Scolyer and Georgina Long’s hopes for their experimental treatment?
Richard Scolyer and Georgina Long hope that their experimental treatment will prolong Scolyer’s life and eventually lead to clinical trials for glioblastoma patients.

7. Why do doctors caution that more time is needed to determine the long-term effectiveness of the treatment?
Doctors caution that more time is needed to determine the long-term effectiveness of the treatment because it is still in the experimental stage and needs further study and analysis.

8. What does Richard Scolyer believe about the direction of his treatment and its potential for future patients?
Richard Scolyer believes that the direction of his treatment is worth further investigation and provides hope for future patients.
Go back to questions ⇧

🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) Australian
(2) pioneering
(3) colleague
(4) groundbreaking
(5) brain
(6) patient
(7) challenges
(8) exercising
(9) discovery
(10) diagnosed
(11) prolong
(12) patients
(13) prognosis
(14) effectiveness
(15) generated
(16) approach
Go back to questions ⇧

📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. pioneering
Answer: (N) Being the first to explore or develop new methods or ideas

2. glioblastoma
Answer: (F) A highly aggressive and malignant type of brain cancer

3. recurrence
Answer: (C) The return of a disease after a period of improvement

4. groundbreaking
Answer: (G) Introducing new and innovative ideas or methods

5. immunotherapy
Answer: (H) A type of treatment that uses the body’s immune system to fight diseases

6. administered
Answer: (B) Given or applied, especially in a formal or systematic way

7. personalized
Answer: (I) Tailored or customized to an individual’s specific needs

8. enhances
Answer: (K) Improves or intensifies the quality or function of something

9. seizures
Answer: (L) Sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbances in the brain

10. clinical
Answer: (D) Related to the observation and treatment of actual patients

11. regulated
Answer: (M) Controlled or supervised by rules or regulations

12. prognosis
Answer: (O) The likely course or outcome of a disease

13. grim
Answer: (J) Depressing or worrying, often suggesting a lack of hope

14. experimental
Answer: (A) Involving untested or unproven methods

15. investigation
Answer: (E) The act of examining or researching something systematically
Go back to questions ⇧

🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:

1. What type of cancer did Richard Scolyer have?
Answer: (d) Glioblastoma

2. What is the survival rate for glioblastoma?
Answer: (a) Low

3. What is the name of the treatment that Scolyer received?
Answer: (c) Immunotherapy

4. What is the purpose of the personalized vaccine in Scolyer’s treatment?
Answer: (d) Enhance the cancer-detecting abilities of the drugs

5. What challenges did Scolyer face during the initial months of treatment?
Answer: (a) Seizures and other health issues

6. What has Scolyer’s latest MRI scan shown?
Answer: (b) No recurrence of the tumor

7. What is the hope for Scolyer’s treatment?
Answer: (c) Prolong his life and lead to clinical trials for glioblastoma patients

8. What is the current status of Scolyer’s treatment?
Answer: (b) Awaiting the review of a scientific paper detailing the initial results
Go back to questions ⇧

🕵️✅ True or False Answers:

1. The treatment involves a combination of drugs administered during surgery to remove the tumor, as well as a personalized vaccine to enhance the cancer-detecting abilities of the drugs. (Answer: False)
2. Their research on immunotherapy has significantly improved outcomes for advanced melanoma patients, with half now essentially cured. (Answer: True)
3. Glioblastoma is an aggressive form of brain cancer with a low survival rate. (Answer: True)
4. Scolyer and his colleague Georgina Long were named Australian of the Year for their groundbreaking work on melanoma. (Answer: True)
5. Scolyer’s latest MRI scan showed a recurrence of the tumor. (Answer: False)
6. Scolyer’s treatment results have not generated excitement in the medical community and may not lead to a discovery that benefits brain cancer patients. (Answer: False)
7. Scolyer is not receiving the same immunotherapy treatment for his brain cancer. (Answer: False)
8. Dr. Richard Scolyer, known for his research on melanoma, remains cancer-free a year after receiving a world-first treatment for glioblastoma. (Answer: True)
Go back to questions ⇧