PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: See Disease Characteristics No concurrent hematopoietic growth factors other than filgrastim (G-CSF) No other biologic therapy (e.g., interferon alfa) for 6 months after completion of study therapy Chemotherapy: No other chemotherapy for 6 months after completion of study therapy Concurrent hydroxyurea allowed for CML relapse Endocrine therapy: Concurrent methylprednisolone allowed if grade II or worse GVHD develops Radiotherapy: No radiotherapy for 6 months after completion of study therapy Surgery: Not specified