DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically or cytologically proven unresectable, locally recurrent, or metastatic breast cancer not amenable to surgery or radiotherapy of curative intent No inflammatory breast cancer unless evidence of metastatic disease No bone metastases, pleural effusion, or ascites as the only site of disease Clinically measurable disease outside previously irradiated area Relapse after 1 prior adjuvant or neoadjuvant chemotherapy regimen containing anthracycline unless clinically contraindicated No known or suspected brain metastases or recurrence requiring steroids or radiotherapy Hormone receptor status: Not specified