Phase II Study in Patients With Operable Breast Cancer

Inclusion Criteria: * Dx of clinical T1c-T3, N0-1, M0 breast cancer * Interval between diagnosis and consent of \<- 62 days * Life expectancy of 10 years * LVEF by MUGA \>= lower limit of normal for the testing facility * Negative serum pregnancy test * Adequate bone marrow, renal, liver function * Negative bone scan * HRT discontinued before study entry * Adequate contraceptive methods Exclusion Criteria: * Male breast cancer * Less than 21 years of age * Ulceration, infiltration of the skin, complete fixation or severe skin edema * N3 disease in which nodes are matted and fixed * Suspicious palpable supraclavicular nodes * CT evidence of malignant internal mammary nodes * Pregnancy or breast feeding at time of study entry * Prior therapy for breast cancer * Prior anthracycline for any malignancy * Prior breast malignancy of the contralateral breast * Prior non-breast malignancy within 5 years * Non-malignant disease that would preclude follow up * MI within 6 months, NYHA Class II or greater heart failure * Psychiatric disorders or conditions that would preclude provision of informed consent