Study to Assess Effectiveness of Giving Combination of Standard Chemotherapy Drugs Versus Combination of Standard Chemotherapy and New Drug Ixabepilone When Given Before Surgical Removal of Early Stage Breast Cancer

Inclusion criteria

Histologically confirmed primary invasive adenocarcinoma of the breast , T2-3, N0-3, M0, with tumor size of ≥ 2 cm
All patients with early stage breast adenocarcinoma may enroll irrespective of receptor status
No prior treatment for breast cancer excluding therapy for DCIS
Karnofsky performance status of 80 - 100
left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥ 50% by echocardiogram or multiple gated acquisition (MUGA)
Adequate hematologic, hepatic and renal function

Exclusion Criteria

women of child-bearing potential (WOCBP) unwilling or unable to use an acceptable method to avoid pregnancy during and up to 8 weeks after the last dose of the investigational drug
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding
Inflammatory or metastatic breast cancer
Unfit for breast and/or axillary surgery
Evidence of baseline sensory or motor neuropathy
Significant history of cardiovascular disease, serious intercurrent illness or infections including known human immu immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection
History of prior anthracycline therapy Allergies to any study medication or Cremophor® EL