OBJECTIVES:
Primary
* To examine the pattern of response of serum 25(OH) D3 levels following cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) supplementation at four different oral doses in patients with prostate cancer.
Secondary
* To examine the pattern of response of parathormone (PTH) following vitamin D3 supplementation in these patients.
* To assess the toxicity of vitamin D3 supplementation in men with prostate cancer.
Tertiary
* To track occurrence of infections, deep vein thrombosis, vascular events, and falls in these patients.
OUTLINE: Patients are randomized to 1 of 4 treatment arms.
* Arm I: Patients receive 4,000 IU of oral cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) once daily.
* Arm II: Patients receive 6,000 IU of vitamin D3 once daily.
* Arm III: Patients receive 8,000 IU of vitamin D3 once daily.
* Arm IV: Patients receive 10,000 IU of vitamin D3 once daily. Treatment in all arms continues for 6 months in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
