OUTLINE: This is a randomized study. Patients are stratified by their choice of androgen suppression technique and by participating institution. Within 3 days after randomization, all patients receive daily flutamide. On day 4, patients undergo orchiectomy or begin monthly LHRH analogue therapy with leuprolide or goserelin. Patients randomized to receive suramin begin a 12-week course 8-25 days after orchiectomy/LHRH therapy. Hydrocortisone replacement therapy begins concomitantly with suramin and continues for at least 3 months after the completion of suramin treatment or until disease progression intervenes. Patients are followed every 3 months.