Inclusion Criteria

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) confirmed by: Cytogenetic
testing demonstrating presence of t(9:22) OR RT-PCR demonstrating presence of BCR/ABL
rearrangement Chronic phase Blast count less than 15% OR Accelerated phase defined by 1 or
more of the following: Blast count greater than 15% but less than 30% Blast count and
promyelocytes greater than 30% Basophils greater than 20% Thrombocytopenia less than
100,000/mm3 not related to therapy Cytogenetic clonal evolution (13) OR Blastic phase
Blast count greater than 30% OR Evidence of extramedullary blasts Relapse from or failure
to achieve a major cytogenetic response to at least 1 course of standard anti-CML therapy
including interferon alfa or cytotoxic chemotherapy Must have failed adequate trial of
interferon alfa unless intolerance to or contraindication to interferon alfa Not eligible
for allogeneic stem cell transplant

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: Not specified Performance status: Karnofsky 70-100% Life
expectancy: Not specified Hematopoietic: See Disease Characteristics Hepatic: Bilirubin no
greater than 1.5 times upper limit of normal (ULN) Renal: Creatinine no greater than 1.5
times ULN Other: Not pregnant or nursing Negative pregnancy test Fertile patients must use
effective contraception during and for 4 months after study No active serious infections
that are not controlled by antibiotics

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: See Disease Characteristics At least 4 weeks
since prior interferon alfa Chemotherapy: See Disease Characteristics At least 4 weeks
since prior chemotherapy (1 day for hydroxyurea) No other concurrent chemotherapy
Endocrine therapy: Not specified Radiotherapy: No concurrent radiotherapy Surgery: Not
specified Other: No other concurrent investigational agents