External-Beam Radiation Therapy Plus Implanted Radiation Therapy in Treating Patients With Prostate Cancer

You may be eligible if

• DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically proven locally confined adenocarcinoma of the prostate Clinical stage T1c-T2b, NX or N0, M0 Gleason score 2-6 AND PSA greater than 10 ng/dL but no greater than 20 ng/dL OR Gleason score 7 AND PSA no greater than 20 ng/dL Prostate volume no greater than 60 mL by transrectal ultrasound prior to external beam radiotherapy American Urologic Association voiding symptoms score no greater than 18 No distant metastases
• PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: Over 18 Performance status: Zubrod 0-1 Life expectancy: Not specified Hematopoietic: Not specified Hepatic: Not specified Renal: Not specified Other: No hip prosthesis No other malignancy within the past 5 years except basal cell or squamous cell skin cancer No major medical or psychiatric illness that would preclude study Fertile patients must use effective contraception
• PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: Not specified Chemotherapy: No prior chemotherapy Endocrine therapy: Prior induction hormonal therapy allowed only if started no more than 6 months prior to study Radiotherapy: See Disease Characteristics No prior radiotherapy to pelvis Surgery: No prior transurethral resection of prostate No radical surgery for carcinoma of the prostate