PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: Not specified Chemotherapy: No more than 1 prior course of adjuvant therapy No other prior chemotherapy for metastatic breast cancer At least 6 months since prior adjuvant therapy No cumulative doxorubicin equivalent dose or greater than 360 mg/m2 in the adjuvant setting Endocrine therapy: Prior hormonal therapy for metastatic disease allowed Radiotherapy: Not specified Surgery: See Disease Characteristics