OUTLINE: This is a randomized, multicenter study. Patients were stratified by PSA level (less than 4 vs 4-20), tumor differentiation (well vs moderate vs poor), nodal status (N0 [nodes evaluated by surgical sampling] vs NX [nodes evaluated negative by imaging methods only]), and participating center. Patients are randomized to one of two treatment arms. Arm I: Patients receive oral flutamide 3 times a day and goserelin subcutaneously once every 4 weeks, or once as a time release injection (intramuscular leuprolide may be substituted for goserelin), beginning 2 months prior to radiotherapy and continuing until completion of radiotherapy. Patients undergo radiotherapy daily 4-5 days per week for almost 8 weeks. Arm II: Patients undergo radiotherapy only, as in arm I. Patients are followed every 3 months for the remainder of the first year, every 4 months for the second year, every 6 months for the third through fifth years, and then annually thereafter.