Inclusion Criteria

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS:

- Histologically confirmed diagnosis of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) or
lymphoblastic lymphoma (LBL)

- Leukemia or lymphoma cells should express at least two of the following cell surface
antigens: CD1a, CD2, CD3 (surface or cytoplasmic), CD4, CD5, CD7, and CD8

- Leukemia cells should be negative for myeloperoxidase or Sudan Black B If the only T
cell markers present are CD4 and CD7, the leukemic cells should be demonstrated to
lack the myeloid markers CD33 and/or CD13

- Refractory to at least one induction treatment regimen or in first or later relapse
after achieving a complete remission

- No CNS leukemia or lymphoma requiring intrathecal or craniospinal radiotherapy

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS:

- Age: 16 and over

- Bilirubin no greater than 2 times upper limit of normal (unless due to leukemia)

- Creatinine clearance at least 50 mL/min (unless due to leukemia)

- No neurologic toxicity of grade 3 or greater during prior treatment of ALL/LBL

- No preexisting neuropathy of grade 2 or greater regardless of causality

- No history of seizure disorder

- Not pregnant or nursing

- Fertile patients must use effective contraception

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY:

- No concurrent erythropoietin

- No other concurrent chemotherapy

- No concurrent dexamethasone or other steroidal antiemetics

- No concurrent hormone therapy, except for non-disease-related conditions