PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: No concurrent sargramostim (GM-CSF) Chemotherapy: No prior chemotherapy No prior estramustine or suramin No other concurrent chemotherapy Endocrine therapy: See Disease Characteristics At least 4 weeks since prior antiandrogens Primary testicular androgen suppression (e.g., with an LHRH analogue) should not be discontinued Concurrent LHRH analogue allowed if no prior bilateral orchiectomy Radiotherapy: See Disease Characteristics At least 4 weeks since prior radiation and recovered At least 8 weeks since prior strontium chloride Sr 89 or samarium Sm 153 lexidronam pentasodium No concurrent palliative radiotherapy Surgery: See Disease Characteristics At least 4 weeks since prior major surgery and recovered