use of glutamine during chemotherapy for colon cancer with mets to liver

Is there any clinical evidence or research concerning the use of supplemental glutamine used during chemotherapy  causing increasing metastasis or tumor growth when it's used to manage neuropathy side effects.?  My husband is receiving , 5-fu, Oxaliplatin, Avastin, Leucorvin.  We use glutamine powder supplement 20 grams total per day. I have heard conflicting information but cannot find solid information.
Thank you,
Wife of a cancer warrior

[Monica M, MD]

Hi,
There are many studies on the use of glutamine in cancer both in humans and animals. There results have been varied and conflicting. Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in the body. Studies have shown that cancer cells use glutamine for growth thereby depleting glutamine levels in the body. It has also been shown that glutamine has an immunomodulatory effect and strengthens the body's defences against the cancer. There have been concerns about glutamine increasing the growth of cancer cells but it has been shown that tumor growth actually decreases. There are various studies in which glutamine has been used to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. These studies have shown mixed results. Till date there is no consensus regarding the use of glutamine in cancer patients and its use cannot be recommended based on current evidence.
All the Best and God Bless!