DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) of any FAB histology (M1-M7) except M3 At least 30% blast cells in bone marrow smears Secondary leukemias eligible, as follows: Following cured malignancies, including Hodgkin's disease Following exposure to alkylating agents or radiotherapy for other reasons The following leukemias are excluded: Blast crisis of chronic myeloid leukemia Leukemia secondary to other myeloproliferative disease Leukemia secondary to myelodysplastic syndrome of more than 6 months' duration No other progressive malignant disease