PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: No prior biologic therapy for breast cancer Chemotherapy: No prior chemotherapy for breast cancer No prior anthracycline therapy for patients who are to receive adjuvant chemotherapy in this study Endocrine therapy: No prior endocrine therapy for breast cancer Must discontinue any sex hormonal therapy before prior to and during study Radiotherapy: No prior radiotherapy for breast cancer No breast radiation therapy before randomization for patients who receive lumpectomy Surgery: See Disease Characteristics At least 2 weeks since last surgical procedure Other: No concurrent cyclosporine therapy No concurrent heparin or warfarin anticoagulation therapy