PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: Not specified Chemotherapy: At least 4 weeks since prior chemotherapy No prior estramustine alone or in combination with other chemotherapy No prior taxanes No more than 1 prior chemotherapy regimen Endocrine therapy: Concurrent primary hormonal therapy allowed (LHRH agonist or orchiectomy) At least 4 weeks since prior antiandrogen therapy with at least 2 rises in PSA levels Radiotherapy: At least 4 weeks since prior radiotherapy At least 8 weeks since prior strontium-89 therapy Surgery: See Disease Characteristics