OBJECTIVES: I. Compare, in a randomized Phase III setting, the subjective response rate, time to progression, and survival of patients with hormone-refractory prostate cancer with painful osseous metastases treated with either strontium-89 or palliative local radiotherapy. II. Compare the quality of life achieved on these two regimens. III. Determine the toxicity and morbidity of treatment on these two regimens. IV. Compare the cost effectiveness of these two regimens.