DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologic or cytologic confirmation of metastatic breast cancer with two exceptions: -New or enlarging pulmonary nodules demonstrable on two chest radiographs taken at least one month apart OR -Multiple characteristic lytic bone metastasis or liver metastases Measurable indicator lesion Measurable metastatic disease must be bidimensionally measurable except in the case of hepatomegaly that may be unidimensionally measurable Patients receiving bisphosphonates must have a measurable disease other than bone No CNS metastases unless controlled with prior surgery and/or radiotherapy