title: Reduction of chemotherapy-induced side-effects by parenteral glutamine supplementation in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.
abstract: In animal studies, glutamine (Gln) reduces chemotherapy-associated mucositis and mucosal atrophy. Therefore, this study examined the protective effects of a parenteral Gln supplementation in patients with metastatic colorectal carcinoma receiving 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)/calcium-folinate (CF) chemotherapy. In a prospective study, a total of 24 patients underwent three courses of 5-FU/CF chemotherapy and were randomised with (n = 12) or without (n = 12) glycyl-L-glutamine. Effects on gastrointestinal mucosa were assessed by endoscopic examinations and histomorphometric measurements. Clinical side-effects were documented according to the World Health Organisation grading. In the Gln group, a significant reduction in mucositis and ulcerations of the gastric (P < 0.01) and duodenal mucosa (P < 0.05) was documented after the third course of chemotherapy. In the same group, the villus height/crypt depth ratio was significantly higher after therapy than in the unsupplemented group (1st course P < 0.01; 3rd course P < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences in the incidence and severity of clinical side-effects. The results suggest that parenteral Gln supplementation protects the gastrointestinal mucosa against 5-FU/CF chemotherapy-induced damage.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of Heidelberg, Germany.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Decker-Baumann
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Buhl
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Frohmüller
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: von Herbay
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Dueck
authors.forename: P M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Schlag
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D005472:Fluorouracil / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D005973:Glutamine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007263:Infusions, Parenteral; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000187:drug effects*; D002955:Leucovorin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies
chemical_list: D005973:Glutamine; D002955:Leucovorin; D005472:Fluorouracil