After a core biopsy of the tumor is obtained, patients with locally advanced breast cancer are randomized to receive 4 cycles of full dose doxorubicin (75 mg/m2 e3w) or docetaxel (100 mg/m2 e3w). After the fourth cycle, patients are submitted to surgery to ascertain pathological response. They then receive the opposite drug, hormones, Herceptin, and radiation as indicated.

The aim of the study is to define the genetic signature which predicts the response to single drug doxorubicin versus docetaxel. 250 patients will be included. cDNA microarrays will be produced and the genetic pattern will be correlated with the response to doxorubicin and docetaxel. Secondary aim is the prediction of response by means of IHC determinations (her2, ER, PgR, Ki67, protein TAU), FISH (topoisomerase II alpha, her2) and PCR (topoisomerase II alpha).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Locally advanced, inoperable breast carcinoma or stage II not amenable to breast preserving surgery (amendment introduced on november 2006)
• Signed informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Age >75
• Cardiac disease; LEFT <50%
• Hyperbilirubinemia