DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Induction phase: Cytologically proven de novo acute myeloid leukemia (not M3) Eligible to receive cytarabine and daunorubicin Circulating blast count no greater than 75,000/mL (hydroxyurea or leukapheresis allowed to decrease blast count) No blast transformation of chronic myelogenous leukemia No myelodysplastic syndrome or antecedent hematologic disorder longer than 6 months Post Induction Phase: Severe bone marrow aplasia (less than 5% blasts and less than 10% cellularity) No persistent leukemia after 2 induction courses