DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS:

• Diagnosis of B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia meeting 1 of the following criteria:

  • Previously treated stage III or IV or earlier stage disease with evidence of active disease, as defined by ≥ 1 of the following:

    • Weight loss > 10% within the past 6 months
    • Extreme fatigue
    • Fever or night sweats without evidence of infection
    • Worsening anemia or thrombocytopenia
    • Progressive lymphocytosis with a rapid lymphocyte doubling time
    • Marked hypogammaglobulinemia or paraproteinemia
    • Lymphadenopathy > 5 cm in diameter
  • Previously untreated stage 0-II disease with symptoms or significant fatigue or at high risk of progression due to of B2 microglobulin > 3.0 mg/mL
  • Patients who are ≥ 70 years of age with previously untreated stage III or IV or earlier stage disease requiring treatment but who refused chemotherapy are eligible

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS:

Performance status

• Zubrod 0-2

Life expectancy

• Not specified

Hematopoietic

• See Disease Characteristics

Hepatic

• Bilirubin < 2.0 mg/dL* (elevated bilirubin allowed if due to of Gilbert's disease) NOTE: *Liver dysfunction due to lymphocytic organ infiltration allowed

Renal

• Creatinine < 2.5 mg/dL* NOTE: *Renal dysfunction due to lymphocytic organ infiltration allowed

Other

• Not pregnant or nursing
• Negative pregnancy test
• Fertile patients must use effective contraception
• No active viral infection (e.g., viral hepatitis)

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY:

Chemotherapy

• See Disease Characteristics