DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed Stage IIIB and IV adenocarcinoma of the breast Stage II-IIIA adenocarcinoma of the breast with poor risk features (including poorly differentiated histology, high mitotic rate, hormone receptor negative, high S phase) with at least three involved axillary lymph nodes, estimated five year relapse free survival rate less than 50%, and does not qualify for higher priority protocol treatments No central nervous system involvement