DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Metastatic breast cancer Measurable disease No progression after 3 or more different forms of chemotherapy Hormone receptor positive breast cancer must be refractory to at least two forms of hormonal treatment (including antiestrogen, aromatase inhibitor, and/or progestin) unless there is life threatening metastases (e.g., lymphangitic metastases to the lung or liver metastases) Must meet at least one of the following characteristics for frailty: ECOG 2-4 Dependence in at least one activity of daily living 85 and over History of three or more falls in the past 6 months Mild dementia (must be oriented in time, space, and location) Three or more comorbid conditions Hormone receptor status: Not specified