OBJECTIVES: I. Evaluate the ability of adjuvant hormone therapy with an LHRH agonist (Goserelin depot) to produce an increased disease-free survival and to prolong overall survival when initiated during the first week of radiotherapy in prostatic cancer patients with a high risk of developing metastatic disease.
OUTLINE: Randomized study. Arm I: Radiotherapy. Whole-pelvic irradiation using photons with a recommended energy of at least 10 MV (Co60 therapy is acceptable if higher energy unavailable). Arm II: Radiotherapy plus 2-Drug Combination Hormonal Therapy. Whole-pelvic irradiation as in Arm I; plus Goserelin, ZDX, NSC-606864; Cyproterone acetate, CPTR, NSC-81430.
PROJECTED ACCRUAL: 400 patients will be entered over 5 years. At least 75 patients on each arm should be followed until relapse.