OBJECTIVES: I. Compare the efficacy of interleukin-2 plus histamine dihydrochloride (Maxamine) vs no further therapy in prolonging the leukemia free survival in patients with acute myeloid leukemia in first or subsequent complete remission (CR) following consolidation therapy. II. Compare the relapse rate, overall survival, and quality of life in this patient population treated with interleukin-2 plus Maxamine vs no further therapy. III. Compare the remission inversion rate in patients in subsequent CR with this treatment regimen vs no further therapy.