Docetaxel With or Without Thalidomide in Treating Patients With Metastatic Prostate Cancer

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--Disease Characteristics-- Histologically confirmed androgen-independent metastatic adenocarcinoma of the prostate Clinically progressive disease documented by at least 1 of the following: Two consecutively rising PSA levels (PSA at least 5.0) At least 1 new lesion on bone scan Progressive measurable disease If no prior surgical castration, serum testosterone must be less than 50 ng/mL and continue on gonadotropin-releasing hormone If receiving an antiandrogen and PSA level rising, must demonstrate a continued rise in PSA 4 weeks after stopping flutamide and 6 weeks after stopping bicalutamide or nilutamide No brain metastases --Prior/Concurrent Therapy-- Biologic therapy: No prior thalidomide Chemotherapy: No prior chemotherapy for metastatic prostate cancer No prior docetaxel Endocrine therapy: See Disease Characteristics Radiotherapy: Recovered from prior radiotherapy Surgery: See Disease Characteristics Recovered from prior surgery --Patient Characteristics-- Age: 18 and over Performance status: ECOG 0-1 Life expectancy: Not specified Hematopoietic: Absolute neutrophil count greater than 1,500/mm3 Platelet count at least 100,000/mm3 Hepatic: Bilirubin less than 1.0 mg/dL AST/ALT less than 2.5 times upper limit of normal (ULN) Alkaline phosphatase less than 2.5 times ULN Renal: Creatinine no greater than 1.5 mg/dL OR Creatinine clearance at least 40 mL/min Cardiovascular: No history of myocardial infarction within past 6 months No uncontrolled congestive heart failure or angina pectoris Other: No other prior active malignancy within the past 2 years except nonmelanoma skin cancer or carcinoma in situ of the bladder Fertile patients must use effective contraception at least 1 month prior to, during, and for 1 month after study