PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: ECOG 0-2 Life expectancy: Not specified Hematopoietic: No hyperleukocytosis (at least 50,000 leukemic blasts/mm3) Hepatic: Bilirubin normal SGOT and SGPT no greater than 2 times normal Renal: Creatinine no greater than 2 times normal Cardiovascular: LVEF at least 45% by MUGA or echocardiogram No myocardial infarction within the past 3 months No severe coronary artery disease No cardiomyopathy No congestive heart failure No prior coagulation related sequelae: Deep vein thrombosis Pulmonary embolus CNS thrombosis or bleed Other: No pregnant or nursing Negative pregnancy test Fertile patients must use effective contraception