Antiandrogen Therapy With or Without Axitinib Before Surgery in Treating Patients With Previously Untreated Prostate Cancer With Known or Suspected Lymph Node Metastasis

This randomized phase IIA trial studies how well antiandrogen therapy works with or without axitinib before surgery in treating patients with previously untreated prostate cancer that is known or suspected to have spread to lymph nodes. Androgens can cause the growth of prostate cancer cells. Antihormone therapy, such as antiandrogen therapy may lessen the amount of androgen made by the body. Axitinib may stop the growth of tumor cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth. It is not yet known if antiandrogen therapy is more effective with or without axitinib before surgery in treating patients with prostate cancer.