OBJECTIVES: I. Determine the effect of adenovirus p53 (Ad-p53) on chemotherapy-induced apoptosis in lesions in patients with breast cancer. II. Determine p53 protein expression following intralesional injections of Ad-p53 by immunohistochemistry and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction in this patient population. III. Determine the time course and magnitude of the development of a humoral antibody response to the adenoviral vector in this patient population. IV. Determine the ability of transfected p53 to upregulate downstream signals important in G1 arrest by assaying for WAF1 mRNA and apoptosis in this patient population. V. Determine the toxicities and side effects of intralesional injections of Ad-p53 given in combination with standard chemotherapy in patients with cutaneous and subcutaneous metastatic breast cancer amenable to injections and biopsies. VI. Determine if there is an increase in apoptosis induced by Ad-53 compared to baseline in this patient population.

OUTLINE: Patients undergo biopsy of one of their skin nodules prior to any treatment. Patients receive the Ad-p53 gene therapy in one nodule and injection of a second nodule with Dulbecco's phosphate buffered saline. The next day, patients begin chemotherapy, which may be given weekly and continues every 21-28 days for up to 6 courses. On day 3, patients return for biopsy of injected nodules. Biopsies are only performed during the first course. Patients may receive further injections of the Ad-p53 gene with subsequent courses of chemotherapy, for up to six courses. Patients are followed monthly for 4 months.

PROJECTED ACCRUAL: Approximately 12-20 patients will be accrued for this study within 12-24 months.