Surgery Versus Internal Radiation in Treating Patients With Stage II Prostate Cancer

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS:

Histologically confirmed adenocarcinoma of the prostate within the past 120 days

T1c-T2a, N0, M0
No bilateral disease

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) no greater than 10 ng/mL

In patients with prior neoadjuvant hormonal therapy (NHT), PSA must be less than 10 ng/mL prior to therapy
Gleason score no greater than 6
Prostate gland less than 60 cc on transrectal ultrasound or with minimal pubic arch interference OR
Prostate gland 60 cc or greater prior to NHT allowed if prostate size has been reduced to less than 60 cc by NHT

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS:

Age:

75 and under

Performance status:

ECOG 0-2 OR
Zubrod 0-2

Renal:

Creatinine no greater than 3 mg/dL

Cardiovascular:

No significant cardiovascular disease
No New York Heart Association class III or IV heart disease

Other:

No other malignancy within the past 5 years except effectively treated basal cell or squamous cell skin cancer or other malignancy at low risk for recurrence
No other condition that would preclude study

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY:

Endocrine therapy:

See Disease Characteristics

At least 90 days since prior NHT

Duration of therapy no greater than 120 days
No concurrent NHT

Radiotherapy:

No prior radiotherapy to pelvis

Surgery:

No prior surgery for prostate cancer or benign disease, including:

Transurethral resection of the prostate
Transurethral resection of the bladder neck
Cryotherapy
Laser ablation
Microwave therapy