PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: Not specified Chemotherapy: No prior chemotherapy Endocrine therapy: See Disease Characteristics Concurrent LHRH-agonist therapy allowed without antiandrogens At least 4 weeks since prior flutamide and nilutamide At least 6 weeks since prior bicalutamide At least 4 weeks since other prior hormone therapy including steroids Radiotherapy: At least 4 weeks since prior radiation therapy and recovered No prior strontium Surgery: Recovered from prior surgery