PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: Not specified Chemotherapy: No prior chemotherapy other than adjuvant No prior high dose adjuvant chemotherapy requiring transplantation Cumulative dose of doxorubicin no greater than 300 mg/m2 permitted Cumulative dose of epirubicin no greater than 400 mg/m2 permitted At least 6 months since prior anthracyclines Endocrine therapy: Not specified Radiotherapy: Not specified Surgery: Not specified