SJG-136 in Treating Patients With Relapsed or Refractory Acute Leukemia, Myelodysplastic Syndromes, Blastic Phase Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia, or Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Inclusion Criteria:

Diagnosis of 1 of the following hematologic malignancies:

Acute myeloid leukemia
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Myelodysplastic syndromes
Chronic myelogenous leukemia in blastic phase
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Relapsed or refractory disease
No immediately available, potentially curable options (e.g., stem cell transplantation) available
Bilirubin normal (unless elevated due to Gilbert's syndrome)
HIV positivity allowed provided CD4 counts are normal with no AIDS-defining disease
Not pregnant or nursing
Negative pregnancy test
Fertile patients must use effective contraception

No uncontrolled intercurrent illness including, but not limited to, any of the following:

Ongoing or active infection
Symptomatic congestive heart failure
Unstable angina pectoris
Cardiac arrhythmia
Psychiatric illness or social situations that would limit study compliance
Recovered from prior therapy
ECOG performance status =< 2
SGOT and SGPT =< 2.5 times upper limit of normal (ULN)
Creatinine normal OR creatinine clearance >= 60 mL/min
Primary resistance (i.e., failed to achieve a complete remission [CR] to a standard induction regimen) or relapsed after achievement of a CR.
Must have documented failure to last cytotoxic regimen prior to study entry.
Ability to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document.

Exclusion Criteria:

No known CNS disease
No history of allergic reactions attributed to compounds of similar chemical or biologic composition to SJG-136
More than 7 days since radiotherapy
No concurrent combination antiretroviral therapy for HIV-positive patients
No other anti-leukemia agents except hydroxyurea =< 5 grams/day =< 14 days prior to and during first course of treatment to control blood counts