Penicillin allergy evaluation in hospitalized patients with hematologic malignancy.

A penicillin allergy testing service (PATS) assessed penicillin allergy in patients with hematologic malignancies; 17 patients who met criteria had negative skin testing. Patients who underwent penicillin challenge passed and were delabeled. Of delabeled patients, 87% received and tolerated ß-lactams during follow-up. Providers found the PATS valuable.

Advancing LGBT Health at an Academic Medical Center: A Case Study.

Academic health centers are strategically positioned to impact the health of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) populations by advancing science, educating future generations of providers, and delivering integrated care that addresses the unique health needs of the LGBT community. This report describes the early experiences of the Penn Medicine Program for LGBT Health, highlighting the favorable environment that led to its creation, the mission and structure of the Program, strategic planning process used to set priorities and establish collaborations, and the reception and early successes of the Program.

The role of lapatinib in the preoperative therapy of breast cancer.

Preoperative or neoadjuvant chemotherapy is a well-established modality in the treatment of nonmetastatic breast cancer. Patients initially considered inoperable may be able to achieve operable status after preoperative chemotherapy and patients initially considered not to be candidates for breast conservation may convert to breast conservation status. Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (Her2)-positive tumors have been shown to have a more aggressive course including early local relapse and metastasis when compared to Her2-negative breast cancers, but the optimal use of Her2-targeted agents is constantly evolving as new agents become available. Preoperative studies allow us to quickly assess the activity of new agents and combinations for particular biological subsets of breast cancer.