OBJECTIVES: I. Determine the Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) response proportion and duration of response of patients with localized stage IV (D0.5) adenocarcinoma of the prostate treated with early medical adrenalectomy using hydrocortisone combined with aminoglutethimide or ketoconazole after prior antiandrogen withdrawal. II. Compare the incidence of grades 3-4 toxicities of these regimens in these patients. III. Correlate adrenal androgen suppression with response in these patients.