Vinorelbine in Treating Older Women With Stage IV Breast Cancer

You may be eligible if

• 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