Monoclonal Antibody Compared With Zoledronate in Treating Women With Breast Cancer and Bone Metastases

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: * Histologically or cytologically confirmed breast cancer * Radiographical evidence of at least 1 bone metastasis * No prior radiotherapy or surgery to bone metastasis * No radiotherapy or surgery anticipated for bone metastasis within the next 24 weeks * Bone pain severity score of at least 1 on 5 of 7 days as determined by question 3 of the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) * No bone metastases to a weight-bearing bone at imminent risk for pathologic fracture or surgical intervention * No vertebral metastases that place the patient at imminent risk of spinal cord compression * Hormone receptor status: * Not specified PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age * 18 and over Sex * Female Menopausal status * Pre- or post-menopausal Performance status * ECOG 0-2 Life expectancy * At least 6 months Hematopoietic * WBC at least 2,000/mm\^3 * Lymphocyte count at least 500/mm\^3 * Granulocyte count at least 1,000/mm\^3 * Platelet count at least 50,000/mm\^3 Hepatic * ALT or AST no greater than 2.5 times upper limit of normal (ULN) * Bilirubin no greater than 1.5 times ULN Renal * Calcium no greater than 10.1 mg/dL * No oliguria, defined as less than 30 mL urine per 2-hour collection * No acute renal failure * Creatinine no greater than 2.5 mg/dL Other * Not pregnant or nursing * Negative pregnancy test * Fertile patients must use effective barrier contraception * No sepsis * No known or anticipated contraindication to study drugs PRIOR CONCURRENT TH…