OBJECTIVES: I. Compare time to progression and survival in patients with metastatic or recurrent adenocarcinoma of the prostate treated with orchiectomy or LHRH analogue (i.e. leuprolide or goserelin) plus flutamide with vs. without suramin and hydrocortisone. II. Compare these two treatments with respect to qualitative and quantitative toxic effects. III. Evaluate normalization of prostatic-specific antigen (PSA), duration of PSA response, and the use of PSA as a surrogate marker of tumor response in these patients. IV. Compare these two treatments with respect to quality of life and pain status.