Triptorelin for Preserving Ovarian Function in Premenopausal Women Receiving Chemotherapy for Early-Stage Breast Cancer

Inclusion Criteria: DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: * Histologically confirmed breast cancer * Early-stage, operable disease * Scheduled to receive adjuvant or neoadjuvant systemic chemotherapy for breast cancer * Hormone receptor status: * Meets 1 of the following criteria: * Estrogen receptor (ER)- OR progesterone receptor (PR)-positive * ER- AND PR-negative * No history of premature ovarian failure PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age * Under 45 Sex * Female Menopausal status * Premenopausal * Follicle-stimulating hormone levels \< 40 IU/L at baseline AND at least 2 menstrual periods within the past 6 months * No first-degree relative menopausal at \< 40 years of age Performance status * Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group \[ECOG\] 0-1 Life expectancy * Not specified Hematopoietic * Not specified Hepatic * Not specified Renal * Not specified Other * Not pregnant or nursing * Fertile patients must use effective non-hormonal methods of contraception * No prior osteoporosis or other non-malignant systemic disease that would preclude prolonged follow-up * No known allergies to gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonists * No other cancer except nonmelanoma skin cancer PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy * Not specified Chemotherapy * See Disease Characteristics * No prior chemotherapy Endocrine therapy * At least 2 weeks since prior oral contraceptives * No prior fertility treatment * Clomiphene or pergonal for polycystic ovarian disease al…