PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: At least 6 months since prior adjuvant therapy Biologic therapy: Not specified Chemotherapy: No more than 2 courses of prior induction docetaxel and doxorubicin allowed if staged within 4 weeks of chemotherapy initiation No prior cumulative adjuvant doxorubicin dose greater than 360 mg/m2 No other prior chemotherapy for metastatic disease Endocrine therapy: Prior hormonal therapy for metastatic disease allowed Radiotherapy: Not specified Surgery: See Disease Characteristics