PSA-Based Vaccine and Radiotherapy to Treat Localized Prostate Cancer

INCLUSION CRITERIA: Patients with histologically confirmed diagnosis of adenocarcinoma of the prostate who are candidates for definitive radiotherapy, who have not had local therapy but who agree to be treated with radiotherapy (external beam therapy alone or in combination with brachytherapy). Patients must be HLA-A2 positive for cohorts A and B. At least 9 patients must be HLA-A2 positive in cohort C. Zubrod (ECOG) performance 0-1. Age greater than or equal to 18 years. Concurrent hormonal therapy will be allowed. Patients must have received prior vaccinia (for smallpox immunization). For patients less than 30 years of age, physician certification of prior smallpox immunization is required. For patients greater than or equal to age 30, patient recollection and appropriate vaccination-site scar is sufficient evidence. There must be no history of allergy or untoward reaction to prior vaccination with vaccinia virus. Absolute lymphocyte count greater than or equal to 600/mm(3); platelets greater than or equal to 100,000/mm(3); hemoglobin greater than or equal to 8.0 grams/dl. The initial urine analysis for eligibility should be less than or equal to grade 1 proteinuria, grade 0 hematuria and no abnormal sediment. Any positive protein, including trace values, should be evaluated by a 24-hour urine less than or equal to 1 gram per 24 hours. Any other abnormalities in the sediment or the presence of hematuria should be evaluated by a nephrologist for evidence of underlying renal pathology. Patients may be eligible if the underlying cause of the abnormality is determined to be non-renal. Serum bilirubin less than or equal to 1.6 mg/dl, AST and ALT less than or equal to 4 times normal; serum creatinine less than or equal to 1.5 mg/dl or a creatinine clearance of greater than 60 ml/min. Patients must understand and sign informed consent that explains the neoplastic nature of his disease, the procedures to be followed, the experimental nature of the treatment, alternative treatments, potential risks and toxicities, and the voluntary nature of participation. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: Patients should have no evidence of being immunocompromised as listed below: They should have no reactive HIV testing; They should not have any other diagnosis of altered immune function, autoimmune disease (autoimmune neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, or hemolytic anemia; systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjogren syndrome, or scleroderma; myasthenia gravis; Goodpasture syndrome; Addison's disease, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, or active Graves' disease). They should not have prior radiation therapy greater than 50% of nodal groups; They should not have had a prior splenectomy; They should not be using glucocorticoids (including glucocorticoids for brachytherapy). The recombinant vaccinia vaccine should not be administered if the following apply to either recipients or, for at least two weeks after vaccination, their close household contacts: Persons with active or a history of eczema or other eczematoid skin disorders; those with other acute, chronic or exfoliative skin conditions (e.g., atopic dermatitis, burns, impetigo, varicella zoster, severe acne or other open rashes or wound) until condition resolves; Pregnant or nursing women; Children under 5 years of age; and immunodeficient or immunosuppressed persons (by disease or therapy) , including HIV infection. Close household contacts are those who share housing or have close physical contact. Other serious intercurrent illness. Patients with active infections requiring antibiotic treatment (including chronic suppressive therapy) are not eligible until the infection has cleared and the antibiotics have been stopped for at least three days. History of other malignant process (excluding squamous cell or basal cell carcinoma of the skin), unless that previous tumor was treated with curative intent and the patient has been in remission for at least three years. Patients with a history of seizures, encephalitis, or multiple sclerosis are not eligible. Patients with known allergy to eggs are not eligible. Patients should not have any cardiac disease, pulmonary disease, autoimmune disease, renal disease or hepatic dysfunction that may be exacerbated by IL-2.