Vaccine Therapy in Treating Patients With Metastatic Prostate Cancer

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS:

• Histologically proven adenocarcinoma of the prostate with evidence of metastatic disease based on any of the following:

  • Lymph node positive and PSA at least 10 ng/mL
  • Bone scan positive and PSA at least 10 ng/mL
  • PSA at least 2 ng/mL and rising following radical prostatectomy
  • PSA at least 10 ng/mL following radiotherapy
• No symptomatic metastatic disease (bony pain)

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS:

• Age: 18 and over
• Performance status: ECOG 0 or 1
• WBC greater than 2,000/mm3
• Platelet count greater than 100,000/mm3
• Bilirubin less than 2.0 mg/dL
• AST less than 4 times normal
• Creatinine less than 2.0 mg/dL
• Must be type HLA-A2 Prior vaccinia (smallpox) exposure required
• At least normal delayed type hypersensitivity to mumps and Candida
• At least normal CD4:CD8 ratio (greater than 1)
• At least normal lymphocyte proliferation testing (to Con A)
• At least normal immunoglobulin levels
• No evidence of altered immune responsiveness or autoimmune syndromes (e.g., scleroderma, systemic lupus erythematosus)
• No HIV antibody No prior splenectomy
• No known allergy to eggs
• No active extensive skin disorders (e.g, psoriasis, burns, impetigo, disseminated zoster)
• No other serious intercurrent illness
• No active infections unless cleared and at least 3 days since antibiotic therapy

• No close contact for 2 weeks after each vaccination with the following people:

  • Children less than 3 years old
  • Pregnant women
  • Individuals with eczema or skin conditions listed above
  • Immunosuppressed individuals

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY:

• No concurrent biologic therapy
• No prior chemotherapy for metastatic disease
• No prior hormone therapy for metastatic disease
• Neoadjuvant hormone therapy prior to prostatectomy or radiotherapy allowed
• No concurrent steroids or hormonal medications
• Prior radiotherapy allowed
• Prior surgery allowed