PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 to 74 Performance status: ECOG 0-2 Life expectancy: At least 4 weeks Hematopoietic: Not specified Hepatic: Bilirubin no greater than upper limit of normal (ULN) (unless elevation due to AML) Renal: Creatinine no greater than 0.3 mg/dL above ULN Cardiovascular: No myocardial infarction within the past 3 months No congestive heart failure No poorly controlled cardiac arrhythmia Other: Not pregnant or nursing Fertile patients must use adequate contraception No psychosis No active systemic infections