Combination Chemotherapy in Treating Patients With Newly Diagnosed Acute Myeloid Leukemia

OBJECTIVES:

• Determine the complete remission rate in patients with acute myelogenous leukemia treated with induction chemotherapy comprising mitoxantrone hydrochloride, cytarabine, and etoposide.
• Determine the feasibility and toxicity of this regimen when given to patients with newly diagnosed acute myelogenous leukemia.

OUTLINE: Patients receive induction chemotherapy comprising mitoxantrone hydrochloride IV on days 1-3, cytarabine IV continuously over 72 hours on days 1-3 and 8-10, and etoposide IV continuously over 72 hours on days 8-10. Patients also receive filgrastim (G-CSF) subcutaneously once daily beginning on day 4 and continuing until blood counts recover.

PROJECTED ACCRUAL: A total of 40 patients will be accrued for this study.

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS:

• Diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia

• Previously untreated disease

• Previous hydroxyurea and/or corticosteroids are acceptable
• No preexisting history of a hematologic disorder

• Myelodysplastic features allowed
• No acute leukemia secondary to previous therapy
• No leukemic meningitis

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS:

• Bilirubin < 2.0 mg/dL (unless felt to be increased because of hepatic infiltration with leukemia)
• Creatinine < 2.0 mg/dL
• Pregnant or lactating patients are ineligible
• Fertile patients must use effective contraception
• No history of or active congestive heart failure

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY:

• See Disease Characteristics