DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML) At least 30% blast cells in bone marrow smear Secondary AML eligible, as follows: Secondary to myelodysplastic syndrome (but not other myeloproliferative diseases) Secondary to cured Hodgkin's disease or other cured malignancy Secondary to alkylating agents or radiation for other reasons Acute promyelocytic leukemia (M3) referred to the collaborative Gruppo Italiano Malattie Ematologiche Maligne dell'Adulto-EORTC protocol (EORTC-06952) No blast crisis of chronic myeloid leukemia