Inclusion Criteria

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed, early stage, unilateral invasive breast
cancer of TNM stages T0 - T3, N0-1, M0, i.e., Histologically proven axillary node
metastases OR Lymph node negative Not locally advanced If supraclavicular node is enlarged
or suspicious of metastasis, negative biopsy for supraclavicular node metastases required
No evidence of any other metastases clinically or on routine staging investigations No
past history of pure in situ carcinoma in either breast Primary tumor is completely
excised

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: Not specified Sex: Female Performance status: Not specified
Hematopoietic: Neutrophil count greater than 2,000/mm3 Platelet count greater than
100,000/mm3 No evidence of sepsis Hepatic: Adequate hepatic function Bilirubin normal
AST/ALT normal Renal: Adequate renal function Creatinine less than 1.2 mg/dL
Cardiovascular: No clinically significant cardiovascular disease Other: No prior or
concurrent other malignancy except adequately treated basal or squamous cell carcinoma of
the skin or in situ carcinoma of the cervix Not pregnant or nursing Fertile patients must
use effective contraception

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: Not specified Chemotherapy: No prior
chemotherapy Endocrine therapy: Prior tamoxifen allowed Radiotherapy: No prior
radiotherapy Surgery: See Disease Characteristics