Because of a strategic decision by Novartis

This is a parallel, two-arm, open-label, multicenter phase IA/IB study of LBH589 (oral formulation) alone and in combination with docetaxel in patients with progressing hormone refractory prostate cancer. This study is designed to determine the maximum tolerated dose of LBH589 as a single agent and in combination with docetaxel and prednisone 5 mg two times a day , and to characterize the safety, tolerability, biologic activity and pharmacokinetic profile

Inclusion criteria:

• Histologically documented adenocarcinoma of the prostate.
• Patients must have metastatic disease with at least one measurable soft tissue lesion that can be assessed by computerized tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and/or detectable lesion(s) on bone scintigraphy scan. Patients with only elevated prostate specific antegen (PSA) levels are not eligible for entry.
• Patients who have undergone medical castration must continue Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonist or antagonist therapy during study treatment
• Patients must be able to provide written informed consent

Exclusion criteria:

• Patients with prior or concurrent brain metastases
• Impaired cardiac, gastrointestinal, kidney, or liver function
• Use of therapeutic androgens

Other protocol-defined inclusion/exclusion criteria may apply