Twenty-two patients with metastatic breast carcinoma were treated with a combination of cisplatin (100 mg/m2 i.v. day 1) and etoposide (100 mg/m2 i.v. days 1-3). Eligible patients had measurable disease with normal organ functions, performance status < 3, age < 70 years and no previous chemotherapy for metastatic disease. Twenty patients were assessable for response. Objective responses were seen in 50% (95% confidence limits: 24.4-67.8). One patient achieved a complete response. Objective response was observed in patients with visceral metastatic disease and who had received anthracyclin-containing regimens in previous chemotherapy. Median survival after therapy was 55 weeks. Median time to progression was 23 weeks. Hematologic toxicity was limiting. Cisplatin plus etoposide is an active combination in advanced breast cancer.