CCI-779 in Treating Patients With Prostate Cancer

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed asymptomatic, progressive, metastatic adenocarcinoma of the prostate Progressive disease defined as increasing prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels from 2 measurements at least 2 weeks apart PSA greater than 5 ng/mL Continued medical means of gonadal ablation (e.g., luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH)) required No known CNS metastases unless previously treated by surgery or radiotherapy and stable, asymptomatic, and not requiring steroids and anticonvulsants

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: ECOG 0-2 Life expectancy: At least 6 months Hematopoietic: Absolute neutrophil count at least 1,500/mm3 Platelet count at least 100,000/mm3 Hemoglobin at least 8.5 g/Dl Hepatic: Bilirubin no greater than 1.5 times upper limit of normal (ULN) AST no greater than 3 times ULN (no greater than 5 times ULN if liver metastases present) Serum cholesterol no greater than 350 mg/Dl Triglycerides no greater than 300 mg/Dl Renal: Creatinine no greater than 1.5 times ULN Cardiovascular: No unstable angina or life-threatening ventricular arrhythmia requiring maintenance therapy No myocardial infarction within the past 6 months Other: No other malignancy in past 5 years other than basal cell or squamous cell skin cancer HIV negative No active infection Not immunocompromised No other major illness that would preclude study Fertile patients must use effective contraception during and for 3 months after the study

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: Concurrent epoetin alfa allowed Chemotherapy: No prior cytotoxic chemotherapy for prostate cancer No other concurrent chemotherapy Endocrine therapy: See Disease Characteristics At least 6 weeks since prior antiandrogen therapy At least 4 weeks since prior hormonal therapy (6 weeks for antiandrogens) for prostate cancer other than continued LHRH agonist No concurrent systemic corticosteroids No concurrent anticancer hormonal therapy Radiotherapy: At least 3 weeks since prior radiotherapy No prior palliative radiotherapy to more than one site No prior strontium chloride Sr 89 or samarium Sm 153 lexidronam pentasodium No concurrent radiotherapy Surgery: At least 3 weeks since prior surgery Other: At least 4 weeks since prior investigational agent No concurrent immunosuppressive agents No other concurrent investigational agent No concurrent enzyme-inducing anticonvulsants (carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin), ketoconazole, diltiazem, rifampin, terfenadine, cisapride, astemizole, or pimozide No concurrent megestrol acetate for appetite Concurrent bisphosphonates allowed