BMS-247550 in Treating Patients With Prostate Cancer That Has Not Responded to Hormone Therapy

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed adenocarcinoma of the prostate Stage D1 or D2 disease (T4, N0, M0; any T, N1-3, M0; or any T, any N, M1) Unresponsive or refractory to prior hormonal therapy by at least 1 of the following: Progression of unidimensionally measurable lesion outside of a prior radiation port Progression of non-measurable disease (e.g., bone scan) Rising prostate-specific antigen (PSA) on at least 2 consecutive measurements taken at least 7 days apart PSA at least 5 ng/mL No brain metastases PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: Not specified Performance status: Zubrod 0-2 Life expectancy: Not specified Hematopoietic: Absolute granulocyte count at least 1,500/mm^3 Platelet count at least 100,000/mm^3 Hepatic: Bilirubin no greater than upper limit of normal (ULN) SGOT or SGPT no greater than 2.5 times ULN Renal: Creatinine no greater than 2.0 mg/dL OR Creatinine clearance at least 40 mL/min Other: No other malignancy within the past 5 years except adequately treated squamous cell or basal cell skin cancer, any carcinoma in situ, or stage I or II cancer in complete remission No other concurrent significant active illness that would preclude study participation Recovered from major infections Fertile patients must use effective contraception PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: At least 28 days since prior biologic therapy and recovered No more than 1 prior biologic (non-cytotoxic) therapy No concurrent biological response modifiers Chemotherapy: No prior chemotherapy for this disease No other concurrent chemotherapy Endocrine therapy: See Disease Characteristics At least 28 days since prior flutamide or ketoconazole At least 42 days since prior bicalutamide or nilutamide No concurrent hormonal therapy, except luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone therapy No concurrent corticosteroids Radiotherapy: See Disease Characteristics Prior radiotherapy to less than 30% of bone marrow allowed No prior strontium chloride Sr 89 or samarium Sm 153 lexidronam pentasodium At least 28 days since prior radiotherapy and recovered No concurrent radiotherapy Surgery: Recovered from prior surgery Prior orchiectomy allowed Other: No concurrent unconventional therapy (e.g., St. John's Wort, PC-SPES, or other herbal remedy for prostate cancer) Not planning to begin bisphosphonate therapy (patients already receiving bisphosphonates are eligible provided they have progressive disease)