Studying Stored Samples From Patients With Localized Prostate Cancer Treated on Clinical Trial NCI-00-C-0154

Data Analysis for 00-C-0154, A Randomized Phase II Study of a PSA-based Vaccine in Patients With Localized Prostate Cancer Receiving Standard Radiotherapy

RATIONALE: Studying samples of blood in the laboratory from patients before and after treatment may help doctors learn more about the effects of the treatment on cells.

PURPOSE: This clinical trial is studying samples collected from patients with localized prostate cancer who received treatment on clinical trial NCI-00-C-0154.

OBJECTIVES:

Primary

• Evaluate the formation of antibody complexes in serum samples taken before initiation of treatment and after completion of therapy in prostate cancer patients previously enrolled on clinical trial NCI-00-C-0154.
• Evaluate immunologic response.

Secondary

• Clone the underlying tumor antigens discovered through SEREX.

OUTLINE: Samples previously collected on clinical trial NCI-00-C-0154 (whole blood, serum, and peripheral mononuclear blood cells) are analyzed for immunologic responses and evidence of formation of anti-tumor antibodies. Western blot is used to detect any evidence of vaccine-induced autoantibody responses. If there is an indication of response, SEREX is used to clone the underlying antigens.

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS:

• Diagnosis of localized adenocarcinoma of the prostate
• Received treatment on clinical trial NCI-00-C-0154

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS:

• Consented the use of their collected blood cells for future research while enrolled on NCI-00-C-0154

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY:

• See Disease Characteristics