Vinorelbine Plus Paclitaxel in Treating Patients With Metastatic Prostate Cancer That Is Refractory to Hormone Therapy

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically proven metastatic adenocarcinoma of the prostate that is hormone refractory Hormone-refractory defined as at least 50% increase in PSA while continuing hormonal therapy Must have received prior hormonal manipulation including either orchiectomy or LHRH agonist Must be symptomatic and on a stable dose of pain medication No documented CNS involvement

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: Zubrod 1-2 Life expectancy: At least 16 weeks Hematopoietic: Absolute neutrophil count at least 1,500/mm3 Platelet count at least 100,000/mm3 Hepatic: Bilirubin no greater than 1.8 mg/dL Renal: Creatinine no greater than 1.8 mg/dL Other: Not HIV positive No concurrent infection No concurrent medical or psychiatric illness that precludes study compliance No prior or concurrent second malignancy in the past 5 years except basal or squamous cell skin cancer

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: Not specified Chemotherapy: No prior chemotherapy No other concurrent chemotherapy Endocrine therapy: See Disease Characteristics At least 4 weeks since prior antiandrogens If patients have received prior antiandrogens, PSA levels are reassessed at 4 week intervals until there is no decrease in PSA levels before registration into this study Radiotherapy: Prior radiotherapy allowed Must have recovered from prior radiotherapy Concurrent radiotherapy for symptomatic bone lesion allowed Surgery: Not specified Other: No other concurrent therapeutic study