GM-CSF in Treating Patients With Relapsed Prostate Cancer

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS:

Histologically confirmed adenocarcinoma of the prostate

Non-metastatic, recurrent systemic disease as manifested by a rising PSA, defined as ≥ 2 consecutive rises in PSA to be documented over a reference value (measure 1)

The first rising PSA (measure 2) should be at taken ≥ 14 days after the reference value

A third confirmatory PSA measure is required (second beyond the reference level) to be greater than the second, and it must be obtained ≥ 14 days after the second measure

If this is not the case, a fourth PSA is required to be taken and be greater than the second measure
No local-only relapse

Must have undergone prior definitive therapy for prostate cancer consisting of external beam radiotherapy, brachytherapy (with or without external beam radiotherapy), or radical prostatectomy (with or without adjuvant androgen ablation)

Patients who have not undergone definitive therapy as above or who have undergone hormonal therapy alone are not eligible
No evidence of metastases on bone or CT scan

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS:

ECOG performance status 0-1
Leukocytes ≥ 3,000/μl
Absolute neutrophil count ≥ 1,500/μl
Platelets ≥ 100,000/μl
Total bilirubin normal
AST and ALT ≤ 2.5 times upper limit of normal (ULN)
Creatinine ≤ 1.5 times ULN
No active thrombophlebitis or disseminated intravascular coagulopathy
No history of pulmonary embolus
No history of immunodeficiency or autoimmune diseases
No uncontrolled intercurrent illness, including, but not limited to, ongoing or active infection, symptomatic congestive heart failure, unstable angina pectoris, cardiac arrhythmia, or psychiatric illness/social situations that would limit compliance with study requirements

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY:

See Disease Characteristics
No prior systemic chemotherapy for any reason

No concurrent anticoagulation therapy (i.e., therapeutic coumadin)

Prophylactic anticoagulation (e.g., aspirin) allowed

No concurrent systemic corticosteroids or other immunosuppressives

Inhaled or topical steroids allowed