Clinical Research Directory

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: * Histologically confirmed breast cancer * Metastatic disease, defined by the existence of a secondary tumor localization radiologically (i.e., by radiography, CT scan, MRI scan, or ultrasound) or scintigraphically confrimed * Evaluable disease * Beginning first-line metastatic treatment with trastuzumab (Herceptin®) with or without chemotherapy * Primary tumor must overexpress HER2 (IHC 3+ OR IHC 2+ and FISH+ OR FISH+) * Hormone receptor status not specified * No brain metastasis PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: * Menopausal status not specified * Life expectancy \> 3 months * Able to undergo cardiotoxicity evaluation every 4 months by measuring LVEF via an isotopic method or ultrasound with systematic registration * No chronic uncontrolled disease * No heart failure * No respiratory failure or hypoxemia * No history of another primary cancer except for basal cell carcinoma of the skin * No severe uncontrolled infection * No psychological incapacity PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: * See Disease Characteristics