OBJECTIVES: I. Determine the dosimetry and toxicity of interstitial colloidal phosphorus P32 (cP32) in patients with locally recurrent prostate cancer that has failed conventional therapy. II. Determine the maximum tolerated dose of interstitial cP32 when combined with interstitial macroaggregated albumin (infusional brachytherapy) in these patients. III. Determine the therapeutic response rate to acceptable single doses of cP32 in these patients.