Study of PTK787 in the Treatment of Patients With Non-Metastatic Androgen Independent Prostate Cancer

Inclusion Criteria: Histologic or cytologic diagnosis of prostate cancer No evidence of metastatic disease PSA-only progression despite androgen depravation therapy and antiandrogen withdrawal Patients must maintain castrate levels of testosterone (<50ng/mL) or continue on LHRH ( Luteinizing Hormone-releasing Hormone) analog therapy. ECOG (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group) performance status of 0-2 (A measure of quality of life where 0 represents asymptomatic and 5 represents death) No prior anti-VEGF therapy is allowed No investigational or commercial agents or therapies other than LHRH agonists/antagonists may be administered concurrently with intent to treat the patient's malignancy Age greater than or equal to 18 years Life expectancy greater than 6 months Normal organ and marrow function obtained within 14 days prior to registration Must use adequate contraception prior to study entry and for the duration of study participation. Exclusion Criteria: Patients may continue on a daily multivitamin, but all other herbal or alternative food supplements must be discontinued before registration. Patients must be on stable doses of bisphosphonates which have been started no less than 6 weeks prior to protocol therapy. Uncontrolled incurrent illness Patients with a "currently active" second malignancy are not eligible. Major surgery less than or equal to 4 weeks prior to randomization Prior chemotherapy less than or equal to 3 weeks prior to registration Prior biologic or immunotherapy less than or equal to 2 weeks prior to registration Prior investigational drugs of any kind less than or equal to 4 weeks prior to registration Patients who have had full field radiotherapy less than or equal to 4 weeks or limited field radiotherapy equal or less than 2 weeks prior to registration. Patients must not be on nonsteroidal antiandrogen blockade. Patients must have no evidence of disease on bone scan or computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen/pelvis.