University of Ottawa

People diagnosed with cannabis use disorder (CUD) face nearly triple the risk of death over five years compared to the general population, with a tenfold increase in suicide risk, according to a large Canadian study.

Emergency room patients treated for psychedelic use face a 2.6-fold higher risk of death within five years compared to the general population, with particularly elevated risks for suicide, cancer, and overdose.

A clinical trial demonstrates that removing approximately 10% of a patient's blood before liver surgery significantly reduces the need for blood transfusions during the procedure.

• Women undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer reported improved cognitive function when participating in an aerobic exercise program, according to the ACTIVATE trial. • The study found that patients who started aerobic exercise alongside chemotherapy experienced better self-reported mental abilities compared to those receiving standard care alone. • Objective neuropsychological testing showed similar cognitive performance between the exercise and standard care groups, but exercise still improved quality of life. • Researchers suggest integrating exercise assessment and referral into routine cancer care to support both physical and mental health during and after treatment.

A recent study indicates that edaravone, an existing ALS drug, can be repurposed to target brain tumor stem cells (BTSCs) in glioblastoma.