Chemotherapy in Treating Patients With Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically or cytologically confirmed refractory, progressive, B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia Failed prior first line therapy of chlorambucil or fludarabine (or their equivalent) Progressive disease as defined by at least one of the following: Greater than 50% increase in the sum of the products of at least 2 lymph nodes on two consecutive determinations 2 weeks apart (at least one lymph node must be greater than 2 cm) Appearance of new palpable lymph nodes At least a 50% increase in size of previously palpable liver or spleen Appearance of palpable hepatomegaly or splenomegaly not previously present At least a 50% increase in the absolute lymphocyte count to at least 5,000/mm3 Transformation to an aggressive histology (e.g., Richter's or prolymphocytic leukemia) High risk OR Intermediate risk with active disease, as defined by the following: Greater than 10% weight loss Extreme fatigue Fevers greater than 100.5 Fahrenheit for greater than 2 weeks without infection Night sweats Splenomegaly greater than 6 cm Lymphadenopathy greater than 10 cm Lymphocytosis with a doubling time less than 6 months

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: ECOG or Zubrod 0-2 Life expectancy: Not specified Hematopoietic: See Disease Characteristics Hepatic: Bilirubin no greater than 2.5 times upper limit of normal (ULN) ALT and AST no greater than 2.5 times ULN Renal: Creatinine no greater than 2.0 mg/dL Other: Not pregnant Negative pregnancy test Fertile patients must use effective contraception during and for 2 weeks after study

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: Not specified Chemotherapy: See Disease Characteristics Endocrine therapy: Not specified Radiotherapy: Not specified Surgery: Not specified