DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically proven B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia Stage I or II with evidence of active disease as defined by: Massive or progressive splenomegaly and/or lymphadenopathy Weight loss of greater than 10% within 6 months CALGB grade 2 or 3 fatigue Fevers of greater than 100.5 C or night sweats for over 2 weeks and no evidence of infection Progressive lymphocytosis Stage III or IV Patient registration on CALGB 9665 required