Vinorelbine in Treating Older Women With Stage IV Breast Cancer

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS:

Histologically or cytologically confirmed stage IV breast cancer
Eligible to receive first- or second-line chemotherapy

At least 1 unidimensionally measurable lesion

At least 20 mm in longest diameter
Must be completely outside prior irradiation port unless there is proof of progressive disease after completion of prior radiotherapy

No untreated brain metastases

Current metastatic CNS disease allowed only if previously treated and clinically stable at study entry
No meningeal carcinomatosis

Hormone receptor status:

Not specified

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS:

Age:

65 and over

Sex:

Female

Menopausal status:

Not specified

Performance status:

ECOG 0-2

Life expectancy:

At least 12 weeks

Hematopoietic:

Absolute neutrophil count at least 1,500/mm^3
Platelet count at least 100,000/mm^3

Hepatic:

Total bilirubin no greater than 1.5 times upper limit of normal (ULN) OR
Direct bilirubin normal if total bilirubin elevated or less than 2.5 times ULN because of Gilbert's syndrome

Renal:

Creatinine no greater than 2 times ULN

Other:

No grade 2 or greater peripheral neuropathy
No other significant medical condition that would preclude study
No active infection within the past 2 weeks
No dysphagia or inability to swallow intact capsules

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY:

Biologic therapy:

Not specified

Chemotherapy:

See Disease Characteristics
No more than 1 prior chemotherapy regimen for metastatic disease
No prior vinca alkaloids
At least 4 weeks since other prior chemotherapy and recovered

Endocrine therapy:

Prior hormonal therapy allowed
No concurrent hormonal therapy

Radiotherapy:

See Disease Characteristics
No prior radiotherapy to 25% or more of bone marrow
At least 3 weeks since prior radiotherapy and recovered

Surgery:

At least 3 weeks since prior major surgery