OBJECTIVES: I. Determine the safety and pharmacokinetics of genistein in patients with stage II, III, or IV prostate cancer.
OUTLINE: This is a randomized, double blind, placebo controlled study. Patients are randomized to one of two treatment arms. Arm I: Patients receive oral genistein twice daily. Arm II: Patients receive oral placebo twice daily. Treatment continues for 3 months in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
PROJECTED ACCRUAL: A total of 24 patients will be accrued for this study within 6 months.