Louise Kostos is an oncologist based in Melbourne, VIC, Australia. She looks after people dealing with cancer and other serious blood and gut conditions. In oncology, every person’s situation is a little different, so the care usually focuses on what fits best for you and your family, not a one-size plan.
Her work includes treating cancers such as prostate cancer and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). She also supports patients with rarer cancers like Ewing sarcoma and osteosarcoma. Over time, she sees how stressful and confusing a new diagnosis can be, and she aims to keep things clear and practical while treatment is underway.
Louise also works with conditions that can affect the bowel and bleeding. For example, angiodysplasia of the colon and gastrointestinal bleeding are often linked with ongoing symptoms and repeated hospital visits. She helps people understand what the options are, what to expect next, and how treatment decisions are made when bleeding keeps coming back.
Another part of her clinical work is looking after people with blood disorders, including myelofibrosis. These conditions can be tough to live with, and they may bring fatigue, pain, or changes in blood counts. In many cases, care involves planning treatment steps and reviewing how well things are going, then adjusting when needed.
As an oncologist in Melbourne, Louise works within the wider healthcare team. That can include coordinating with specialists, nurses, and other services involved in cancer care. At times, people need help with side effects and day-to-day issues during treatment, so the focus stays on safety and comfort as well as the main treatment plan.
When it comes to education, Louise has the medical background needed to practise as an oncologist, and she stays across current treatment approaches as new evidence and options become available. She also considers patient goals, timing, and overall health when planning what comes next.
Clinical trials can be a helpful option for some people, depending on the type of condition and where a patient is at in their treatment journey. Details about trials are usually discussed case by case, based on what is available and whether it’s a good fit.
