DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically proven adenocarcinoma of the breast with involvement of 4 or more axillary nodes, including any T N1 M0 Concurrent bilateral breast cancer allowed Complete resection required Total mastectomy or breast conserving surgery Adjuvant radiotherapy planned after protocol chemotherapy Clear surgical margins Axillary dissection yielding at least 9 lymph nodes Entry required within 8 weeks of definitive surgery Hormone receptor status: Any status