The primary objective of this trial is to compare the rate of pathologically complete remissions achieved using a preoperative dose-intensified 8 week therapy consisting of adriamycin and docetaxel with a preoperative sequential 24 week regimen consisting of adriamycin/cyclophosphamide followed by docetaxel, in patients with operable carcinoma of the breast. Secondary aims are to assess disease-free and overall survival, the rate of complete and partial responses by palpation and imaging methods, the rate of breast-conserving operations, and the toxicity of the two chemotherapy regimens.

Women meeting the following criteria will be eligible for the study: those with operable breast cancer (T2-3 N0-2 M0), with the diagnosis histologically confirmed by biopsy, and measurable disease on mammography or sonography or breast MRI (the most appropriate method should be chosen by the investigator). After the patients have given written informed consent, they will be randomly assigned to the study treatments. Patients in group I will receive four cycles of combination chemotherapy consisting of adriamycin 50 mg/m2 (15 min i.v. infusion) and docetaxel 75 mg/m2 (1 h i.v. infusion) repeated every 14 days, followed by surgery 9-10 weeks after the start of therapy. Patients in group II will receive four cycles of adriamycin 60 mg/m2 (15 min i.v.) and cyclophosphamide 600 mg/m2 (1 h i.v.) every three weeks, followed by four cycles of docetaxel 100 mg/m2 (1 h i.v.) every three weeks. Surgery will be performed during week 25 or 26. Patients in both groups will additionally receive oral doses of tamoxifen 20 mg once daily for 5 years, starting on the first day of chemotherapy. Surgery will consist of removal of the remaining tumor (breast-conserving resection or mastectomy) and axillary dissection (Sentinel node biopsy is allowed if the patient is involved in a randomized trial. Radiotherapy is applicated according to standard proceedings of participating center. A second randomization for additional versus no additional postoperative chemotherapy is recommended in ypN+ disease. Patients with disease progression during preoperative therapy, chemotherapy can be stopped and surgery can be performed immediately.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Pre-study screening performed according to section 7.1
• Unilateral primary carcinoma of the breast, confirmed histologically by core or tru-cut biopsy. Fine-needle aspiration is not sufficient. Incisional biopsy is only allowed if less than 20% of the tumor is excised.
• Two-dimensionally measurable (mammography, ultrasound, or MRI) breast tumor
• Primary tumor >= 2 cm in largest diameter by either palpation, sonography or mammography, or breast MRI. In patients with multifocal or multicentric breast cancer, the largest lesion should be measured.
• No evidence of distant metastases
• Life expectancy of at least 10 years, disregarding the diagnosis of cancer.
• Karnofsky index >= 70%.
• Age 18 years or older.
• Adequate hematological, renal, and hepatic function (WBC > 4000, platelets > 100 000, bilirubin, serum creatinine and transaminases within 1.5 × upper normal range).
• Evidence of normal cardiac function (with or without medication) from the patient history and from electrocardiography. Normal function is confirmed by echocardiography or multiple gated acquisition (MUGA) scan.
• Negative pregnancy test and appropriate nonhormonal contraception in fertile women. Intrauterine pessaries with progestogens are allowed.
• Written informed consent and assumed compliance for therapy and follow up of the patients.
• Consent of patient, pathologist and investigator to supply tumor material of biopsy and surgery for central pathologic evaluation and examination of predictive factors.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Locally advanced (stage T4), bilateral, metastatic, or inflammatory breast cancer. If one of these conditions is suspected, it has to be excluded before enrollment into study.
• Previous treatment for breast cancer, including surgery, radiation, cytotoxic, or endocrine treatments.
• Previous malignancy other than breast cancer or noninvasive breast cancer if the disease-free interval is less than 10 years.
• Previous cytotoxic treatment for any condition.
• Preexisting neurotoxicity greater than grade II.
• Active infection or other significant illness that could influence the tolerability of treatment.
• Current treatment with sex hormones (treatment has to be discontinued before the start of systemic therapy).
• Psychiatric illness or drug addiction that would preclude obtaining informed consent.