PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: No prior systemic biologic anticancer therapy Chemotherapy: No prior chemotherapy Concurrent chemotherapy such as estramustine containing regimens or mitoxantrone allowed at the discretion of the protocol investigator Endocrine therapy: See Disease Characteristics No prior systemic hormonal anticancer therapy except LHRH antagonists and/or nonsteroidal antiandrogens (e.g., flutamide, bicalutamide, or nilutamide) Concurrent aminoglutethimide, prednisone, or diethylstilbestrol or other estrogens allowed at the discretion of the protocol investigator Radiotherapy: At least 6 weeks since prior palliative radiotherapy Surgery: See Disease Characteristics Other: No other prior systemic anticancer therapy At least 4 weeks since other prior investigational drugs No other concurrent bisphosphonate agent