F511 Cream in Preventing Palmar-Plantar Erythrodysesthesia in Patients Receiving Doxorubicin Hydrochloride Liposome for Metastatic Breast Cancer

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: * Diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer * No cutaneous metastases on hands or feet * Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin hydrochloride monotherapy is indicated according to the local investigator * Planned dose at least 10 mg/m\^2 per week * No sign of palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia (PPE) at study entry PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: * WHO performance status 0-2 * Able to apply topical medication (cream) or provide for another person to apply cream * Not pregnant or breastfeeding * Fertile patients must use effective contraception during trial participation and for 1 month after completion * Negative pregnancy test * Compliant and geographically proximal in order to allow proper evaluation and follow-up * No dermatologic conditions (e.g., psoriasis) that, in the opinion of the physician, may affect the hands or feet or may complicate evaluation during study treatment * No known allergy or hypersensitivity to F511 cream PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: * See Disease Characteristics * More than 30 days since prior and no concurrent treatment with other experimental drugs or anticancer therapy * More than 30 days since prior and no concurrent treatment on another clinical trial * No concurrent local use of other ointments or creams for hands or feet other than Excipial Repair®