OBJECTIVES: I. Determine the overall response rate to doxorubicin, docetaxel, and cyclophosphamide (ATC) in women with metastatic or locally advanced breast cancer. II. Determine survival, time to first response, time to progression, and duration of response in these patients. III. Evaluate the feasibility of administering ATC for at least 4 courses. IV. Evaluate the toxicity profile of ATC and its effect on cardiac function.