Some chemotherapies, including docetaxel, are better tolerated and just as effective when giving the dose weekly rather than on an every three week basis. The purpose of this study is to compare 2 schedules of combination chemotherapy with docetaxel for the effects on quality of life. Standard every three week chemotherapy will be compared with weekly chemotherapy for metastatic or locally advanced breast cancer.

Patients with locally advanced breast cancer and patients with metastatic breast cancer who have not previously received an anthracycline will be treated with docetaxel and epirubicin.

Patients with metastatic breast cancer who have already received anthracyclines will be treated with docetaxel and capecitabine.

All patients will be randomized to receive their treatment either on an every three week schedule, or on a weekly schedule.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Histological diagnosis of breast cancer
• Inoperable locally advanced or metastatic disease not yet treated with first-line chemotherapy
• Age < 70 years
• ECOG performance status < 2
• Written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Previous or concomitant malignant neoplasm (excluding adequately treated baso or spinocellular skin carcinoma or carcinoma in situ of the cervix)
• Previous treatment with docetaxel
• Symptomatic brain metastases
• Neutrophil < 2000/mm3, platelets < 100,000/mm3, haemoglobin < 10 g/dl
• Creatinine > 1.25 x the upper normal limits
• GOT and/or GPT > 1.25 x the upper normal limits in absence of hepatic metastases
• GOT and/or GPT > 2.5 x the upper normal limits in presence of hepatic metastases
• Bilirubin > 1.5 x the upper normal limit
• Any concomitant pathology that would, in the investigator's opinion, contraindicate the use of the drugs in this study
• Inability to provide informed consent
• Inability to comply with follow-up