L-glutamine Supplementation to Alleviate Symptoms of Taxane-Induced Neuropathy in Patients With Breast Cancer

Inclusion Criteria:

* Biopsy proven adenocarcinoma of the breast
* Received at least one prior taxane-containing chemotherapy regimen which resulted in persistent taxane-induced peripheral neuropathy
* Anticipated survival of at least 6 months
* Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (PS) = 0, 1, or 2
* The patient must have screening laboratory: Transaminases\<2.5 x upper limit of normal; total bilirubin \<2.0; creatinine \<1.5
* Neuropathy onset from taxane administration no more than 18 months from date enrolled in trial
* Willingness to adhere to supplemental regimen of l-glutamine 10,000mg taken orally twice daily, with one potential dose escalation to 10,000mg taken orally three times daily.
* Grade I-III sensory peripheral neuropathy related to prior taxane use as assessed by their treating oncologist at Eastern Regional Medical Center
* Able to give informed consent for protocol participation

Exclusion Criteria:

* Participants are not able to understand or provide written informed consent.
* The research team deems that the participant may not be able to follow the study protocol.
* Current diagnosis of bipolar disorder or other manic state
* Prior use of l-glutamine for prevention or empirical treatment of taxane-induced sensory peripheral neuropathy
* Prior treatment with a platinum chemotherapy
* Concurrent use of physical therapy interventions such as the 'Rebuilder', chiropractic care, acupuncture, or other modalities specifically targeting peripheral neuropathy
* Concomitant use of nutraceutical supplements which may mitigate symptoms of taxane-induced peripheral neuropathy including B-Complex vitamins, alpha-lipoic acid, vitamin E, acetyl-l-carnitine, intramuscular B12 injections, fish oil, etc… during study
* Renal insufficiency : serum creatinine of \>1.5 mg /dl
* Hepatic insufficiency: transaminases \> 2.5 x upper limit of normal due to isolated reports of possible hepatic encephalopathy
* New prescription or dose adjustment of current medication for the treatment of peripheral neuropathy such as gabapentin or Lyrica within the past 30 days.
* Pre-existing sensory peripheral neuropathy from other comorbid conditions such as diabetes or alcoholism
* Current serious infection or other serious medical condition
* Currently active second malignancy other than nonmelanatous skin cancer or carcinoma in situ of the cervix
* Pregnant or lactating female (pre-menopausal females will undergo pregnancy test prior to administration of protocol drugs throughout treatment cycles during this study)
* Acetaminophen use exceeding 2 g per day-includes use of acetaminophen-containing pain medications such as Percocet.