Inclusion Criteria

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically proven metastatic adenocarcinoma of the prostate
that is hormone refractory Hormone-refractory defined as at least 50% increase in PSA
while continuing hormonal therapy Must have received prior hormonal manipulation including
either orchiectomy or LHRH agonist Must be symptomatic and on a stable dose of pain
medication No documented CNS involvement

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: Zubrod 1-2 Life expectancy:
At least 16 weeks Hematopoietic: Absolute neutrophil count at least 1,500/mm3 Platelet
count at least 100,000/mm3 Hepatic: Bilirubin no greater than 1.8 mg/dL Renal: Creatinine
no greater than 1.8 mg/dL Other: Not HIV positive No concurrent infection No concurrent
medical or psychiatric illness that precludes study compliance No prior or concurrent
second malignancy in the past 5 years except basal or squamous cell skin cancer

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: Not specified Chemotherapy: No prior
chemotherapy No other concurrent chemotherapy Endocrine therapy: See Disease
Characteristics At least 4 weeks since prior antiandrogens If patients have received prior
antiandrogens, PSA levels are reassessed at 4 week intervals until there is no decrease in
PSA levels before registration into this study Radiotherapy: Prior radiotherapy allowed
Must have recovered from prior radiotherapy Concurrent radiotherapy for symptomatic bone
lesion allowed Surgery: Not specified Other: No other concurrent therapeutic study