Correlation of Molecular Markers With Response to Therapy and Breast Cancer Behavior

OBJECTIVES: * Collect , catalogue, and store biological specimens from patients with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer * To collect clinical data from these patients containing identifiers, demographics, epidemiologic review, clinical evaluation, treatment, and long-term follow-up. * To provide an efficient bi-directional flow of clinical information and specimens between laboratory and clinical scientists in order to foster innovative translational research. OUTLINE: This is a multicenter study. Patients undergo core biopsy and blood sampling at diagnosis, between chemotherapy regimens, and prior to definitive surgery. Tumor markers are assessed using immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry. PROJECTED ACCRUAL: A total of 500 patients will be accrued for this study.