DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically proven progressive prostate cancer after primary therapy Radiographic changes OR PSA at least 1.0 ng/mL and rising after prostatectomy OR PSA at least 2.0 ng/mL and rising after radiotherapy OR PSA rising 50% during intermittent hormonal therapy No metastatic disease by radiography No active CNS or epidural tumor Registered on MSKCC-9040