Calcitriol in Treating Patients With a Rising PSA Level Following Treatment for Prostate Cancer

Inclusion Criteria

• •DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically or cytologically proven adenocarcinoma of the prostate previously treated with prostatectomy or definitive radiotherapy Rising PSA after post definitive therapy nadir on at least 3 measurements at least 2 weeks apart PSA at least 0.4 ng/mL for prostatectomy patients PSA at least 1.0 ng/mL for radiotherapy patients
• •PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: ECOG 0-2 Life expectancy: Greater than 2 months Hematopoietic: Not specified Hepatic: Not specified Renal: Phosphate no greater than 4.2 mg/dL Creatinine no greater than 1.3 mg/dL Calcium no greater than 10.5 mg/dL No history of hypercalcemia Cardiovascular: No significant heart disease No myocardial infarction within past 3 months No history of heart failure Cardiac ejection fraction at least 30% Other: No other significant active medical illness that would preclude compliance Fertile patients must use effective contraception
• •PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: Not specified Chemotherapy: No prior systemic chemotherapy for metastatic prostate cancer (except neoadjuvant treatment for localized prostate cancer) Endocrine therapy: No prior systemic hormonal therapy for prostate cancer (except neoadjuvant treatment for localized prostate cancer) Radiotherapy: See Disease Characteristics Surgery: See Disease Characteristics Other: No other concurrent systemic therapy for metastatic prostate cancer At least 30 days since other prior investigational drugs No concurrent digoxin At least 7 days since prior thiazide diuretic therapy No concurrent magnesium containing antacids, bile resin binding drugs, or calcium supplements