PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: Not specified Chemotherapy: No prior palliative chemotherapy At least 1 year since adjuvant chemotherapy Maximum prior cumulative anthracycline doses as follows: Epirubicin no greater than 450 mg per square meter Doxorubicin no greater than 300 mg per square meter Pirarubicin no greater than 300 mg per square meter Mitoxantrone no greater than 60 mg per square meter Endocrine therapy: Prior hormonal therapy allowed See Disease Characteristics Radiotherapy: At least 6 weeks since radiotherapy to more than one third of hematopoietic regions Surgery: Not specified