OUTLINE: Patients receive induction chemotherapy comprising mitoxantrone hydrochloride IV on days 1-3, cytarabine IV continuously over 72 hours on days 1-3 and 8-10, and etoposide IV continuously over 72 hours on days 8-10. Patients also receive filgrastim (G-CSF) subcutaneously once daily beginning on day 4 and continuing until blood counts recover.