Prospective Study to investigate the ability of the Glutathione S- transferase Pi (GSTP1) methylation assay to assess response to chemotherapy in patients with metastatic hormone-refractory prostate cancer

This study is for men with advanced prostate cancer that has stopped responding to hormone therapy (called hormone-refractory prostate cancer). It tests whether a new genetic blood test (called GSTP1 methylation assay) can more accurately track whether chemotherapy is working, compared to the standard PSA blood test. The study also aims to find ways to predict before treatment starts whether a patient will respond to chemotherapy. You may be eligible if: - You are male and 18 years of age or older - You have prostate cancer confirmed by a tissue or cell sample - Your cancer has spread to other parts of the body - Your cancer no longer responds to hormone therapy (hormone-refractory) - Your PSA level is above 10 ng/ml and has risen on at least two consecutive tests - Your general health level (ECOG performance status) is 0 to 3 - Your blood counts and liver and kidney function are within acceptable ranges - Your testosterone is at castrate levels You may NOT be eligible if: - You are taking alternative supplements such as Saw Palmetto, DHEA, lycopene, vitamin D, or selenium - You are receiving chemotherapy other than Docetaxel or Mitoxantrone Talk to your doctor about whether this trial might be right for you.