Flavopiridol in Treating Patients With Previously Treated Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia or Lymphocytic Lymphoma

Inclusion Criteria:

Diagnosis of B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma, including Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia, as indicated by the following:

Massive or progressive splenomegaly and/or lymphadenopathy
Anemia (hemoglobin less than 11 g/dL) or thrombocytopenia (platelet count less than 100,000/mm^3)
Weight loss of more than 10% within the past 6 months
Grade 2 or 3 fatigue
Fevers greater than 100.5º C or night sweats for more than 2 weeks with no evidence of infection
Progressive lymphocytosis with an increase of more than 50% over a 2-month period or anticipated doubling time of less than 6 months
Received at least 1 prior therapy for CLL
Performance status - ECOG (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group) 0-2
See Disease Characteristics
WBC (white blood count) less than 200,000/mm^3
Bilirubin no greater than 1.5 times normal (unless due to Gilbert's disease or any of the conditions stated below)*
AST (aspartate aminotransferase) no greater than 2 times normal*
Creatinine no greater than 2.0 mg/dL
Not pregnant or nursing
Negative pregnancy test
Fertile patients must use effective contraception
No other malignancy that would limit survival to less than 2 years
No history of inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis) unless inactive for more than 2 years
No psychiatric condition that would preclude compliance with treatment or giving informed consent
No other concurrent chemotherapy
No concurrent chronic corticosteroids
No concurrent hormonal therapy except steroids for new adrenal failure or hormonal agents for nondisease-related conditions (e.g., insulin for diabetes)
No concurrent dexamethasone or other corticosteroid-based antiemetics
No concurrent radiotherapy