Inclusion Criteria

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed adenocarcinoma of the prostate Androgen
independent disease progression -Castrate testosterone level of less than 40 ng/dL (if
medically achieved, treatment must be maintained continuously) -Prostate specific antigen
(PSA) at least 4 ng/mL and rising on at least 2 consecutive measurements No variant
histologies such as ductal carcinoma (endometrioid or cribiform) or small cell carcinoma
Brain metastases controlled

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: Zubrod 0-3 Life expectancy:
At least 12 weeks Hematopoietic: Absolute neutrophil count at least 1500/mm3 Platelet
count at least 100,000/mm3 Hemoglobin greater than 9.5 g/dL (without transfusion support)
Hepatic: Bilirubin and transaminase less than 2 times the upper limit of normal Renal:
Creatinine no greater than 2.0 mg/dL OR Estimated creatinine clearance at least 35 mL/min
Cardiovascular: No clinical history of heart disease Normal ECG OR Ejection fraction
(ECHO, MUGA, or ventriculography) at least 45% Other: Spinal cord compression controlled
No active peptic ulcer disease No active, or likely to become active, second malignancy

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: No prior ketoconazole Chemotherapy: No prior
doxorubicin, vinblastine, estramustine, paclitaxel, or etoposide No greater than one prior
cytotoxic therapy No other concurrent chemotherapy At least 8 weeks since prior mitomycin
At least 60 days since prior suramin Endocrine therapy: No antiandrogen therapy such as
flutamide or nilutamide within 4 weeks (6 weeks for bicalutamide) without response OR
Progression since antiandrogen withdrawal Prior dexamethasone therapy discontinued
Radiotherapy: At least 10 weeks since prior strontium Sr 89 and no more than 1 prior
regimen No concurrent strontium Sr 89 Surgery: Not specified Other: No other concurrent
therapy for prostate cancer No concurrent H2 blockers, omeprazole, or antacids No
concurrent terfenadine and astemizole