Dr. Marijo Bilusic, MD

About Dr. Marijo Bilusic, MD

Dr. Marijo Bilusic, MD is a Hematology-Oncology physician practicing at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center in Miami, FL. He is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, and patient-centered Hemato-oncologic care, adhering to the rigorous standards of The Florida Board of Medicine and the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Dr. Bilusic specializes in diagnosing and treating a wide range of cancers and blood disorders, employing chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and other advanced therapies while prioritizing patient well-being and managing treatment side effects. He is committed to serving all ages and is currently welcoming new patients. Please call (305) 243-5302 to schedule an appointment.

Dr. Bilusic's extensive background in medical oncology and hematology, coupled with his advanced research, positions him to provide exceptional care. He is a board-certified medical oncologist specializing in the treatment of genitourinary tumors, a testament to his deep understanding of these complex conditions. His rigorous training, which includes a fellowship at the National Cancer Institute (NCI), underscores his commitment to staying at the forefront of advancements in cancer treatment. Dr. Bilusic is also board certified in Hematology, Internal Medicine, and Medical Oncology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. His commitment to patient care extends to offering consultations in Croatian, further demonstrating his dedication to inclusivity and understanding.

Dr. Marijo Bilusic, MD, PhD, brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. His current research focuses on novel immunotherapy approaches for prostate cancer and other genitourinary tumors, employing therapeutic cancer vaccines, antibodies, immune modulators, or immune checkpoint inhibitors. This research is part of a comprehensive immuno-oncology program. He is deeply committed to fostering a supportive environment for his patients, recognizing the challenges associated with cancer diagnosis and treatment. His passion for teaching and mentoring, evident in his previous roles as assistant professor and program director at the NIH, is reflected in his collaborative approach to patient care.

Hemato-Oncologic Conditions Addressed

Dr. Marijo Bilusic addresses a wide range of Hemato-oncologic health concerns, including:

• Non-Hodgkin: Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system.
• Pancytopenia: Pancytopenia means your body isn't making enough of the cells in your blood, which can lead to fatigue, infections, and easy bleeding.
• Thalassemia: Thalassemia is a group of inherited disorders characterized by reduced or absent production of hemoglobin, the protein responsible for carrying oxygen in your blood.
• Bleeding Disorders: Bleeding disorders involve problems with your blood's ability to clot properly, leading to excessive bleeding.
• Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: CLL is a slow-growing blood cancer affecting white blood cells called lymphocytes.
• Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma: Primary central nervous system lymphoma is a rare cancer that starts in the brain or spinal cord.
• Neutropenia: Neutropenia is a condition where your body doesn't make enough neutrophils, a type of white blood cell that helps fight infection.
• Prostate Cancer: Prostate cancer can be slow-growing or aggressive, depending on several factors like the stage at diagnosis.
• Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma: Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is a type of cancer that starts in the white blood cells.
• Intestinal Malabsorption Carbohydrate: This condition affects the intestines' ability to properly absorb carbohydrates, leading to nutritional deficiencies.
• Anemia: Anemia is a condition where your blood doesn't have enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen throughout your body.
• Multiple Myeloma: Multiple myeloma is a type of blood cancer that affects plasma cells in the bone marrow.

Please note: This list highlights some common health concerns that Dr. Marijo Bilusic addresses and is for informational purposes only; it does not constitute medical advice. The range of conditions a Hematology-Oncology manages is broad, and this list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive understanding of how he can assist with your Patient's specific health needs or to discuss any particular symptoms, it's always best to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Hemato-Oncologic Services Provided

Dr. Marijo Bilusic offers a range of services to support your Patient's health and well-being, such as:

• Pain Management: Managing pain helps improve comfort and quality of life for patients with cancer and blood disorders.
• Hematologic Disorder Treatment: This covers approaches to treat illnesses that involve abnormalities in blood components.
• Immunization: Immunization is the process of becoming protected from contagious diseases through vaccination.
• Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT): For certain cancers, SBRT offers a non-surgical option to eliminate tumors by delivering a concentrated beam of radiation.
• PET Scan: A PET scan helps doctors diagnose cancer, stage cancer by identifying the spread, and monitor treatment response.
• Nutritional Supplementation: To address nutritional deficiencies that might arise during cancer treatment, your healthcare team may suggest specific nutritional supplements.
• External Beam Radiotherapy: For many cancers, external beam radiotherapy is a crucial part of treatment, often used alone or with other therapies.

Please note: This list highlights some of the key services that may be offered by Dr. Marijo Bilusic. Service availability can change and not all services listed may be appropriate or offered to every patient. The scope of services provided by a Hematology-Oncology can vary. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services or to discuss your Patient's specific healthcare needs, it's always best to schedule a consultation. Some specialized procedures or advanced diagnostic tests may require referral to a subspecialist.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Hematology-Oncology in Florida and adhere to the ethical and professional guidelines set forth by The Florida Board of Medicine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about care with Dr. Marijo Bilusic:

What is a Hematologist/Oncologist?

A hematologist/oncologist is a doctor specializing in both the study and treatment of blood disorders and cancers. They diagnose and treat various blood cancers, solid tumors, and non-cancerous blood conditions.

What should I expect during my first visit with Dr. Marijo Bilusic?

Your first visit with Dr. Bilusic will be a comprehensive consultation. We will review your medical history, conduct a physical exam, and discuss potential diagnoses and treatment options. Please bring all prior medical records, imaging reports, and pathology slides to ensure a thorough evaluation.

Does Dr. Marijo Bilusic accept my insurance?

Dr. Bilusic's practice accepts many insurance plans. However, cancer and hematology care can be complex. Please contact our financial counselors or your insurance provider directly to verify your specific coverage.

What is chemotherapy and how is it given?

Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment using powerful drugs to kill fast-growing cancer cells. It's given in various ways, most often intravenously (through a port or vein) at an infusion center, or sometimes as pills.

How does Dr. Marijo Bilusic help manage treatment side effects?

Dr. Bilusic prioritizes managing treatment side effects. She proactively prescribes medications for nausea and pain, provides nutritional support, closely monitors blood counts, and offers resources to help patients cope with issues like fatigue.

What non-surgical treatments are there for prostate cancer?

Non-surgical treatments for prostate cancer, managed by a medical oncologist, often include hormone therapy (androgen deprivation therapy) to reduce the production of hormones that fuel the cancer's growth. For advanced or castration-resistant disease, chemotherapy and targeted agents may be used. Your oncologist will discuss the best treatment plan based on your specific situation.

What is palliative care and how is it different from hospice?

Palliative care focuses on relieving symptoms and stress from serious illness, and can be provided at any stage of treatment. Hospice is a type of palliative care specifically for patients near the end of life.

How is chemotherapy used for colon cancer?

Chemotherapy for colon cancer is used in various ways. It may be given after surgery (adjuvant therapy) to reduce the risk of the cancer returning. It's also used to treat advanced or metastatic colon cancer to control the disease and potentially extend life.