PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: Not specified Chemotherapy: No prior chemotherapy for acute leukemia Prior hydroxyurea to control high cell counts allowed At least 30 days since prior low dose cytarabine (less than 100 mg/m2/day) for myelodysplastic syndrome and recovered Single dose of prior or concurrent (with induction chemotherapy) intrathecal chemotherapy allowed Endocrine therapy: Not specified Radiotherapy: Not specified Surgery: Not specified