A Phase II Study of 506U78 in Patients With Refractory or Relapsed T-Lineage Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) or Lymphoblastic Lymphomas (LBL)

Study start date: August 1, 1998

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed diagnosis of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) or lymphoblastic lymphoma (LBL) Leukemia or lymphoma cells should express at least two of the following cell surface antigens: CD1a, CD2, CD3 (surface or cytoplasmic), CD4, CD5, CD7, and CD8 Leukemia cells should be negative for myeloperoxidase or Sudan Black B If the only T cell markers present are CD4 and CD7, the leukemic cells should be demonstrated to lack the myeloid markers CD33 and/or CD13 Refractory to at least one induction treatment regimen or in first or later relapse after achieving a complete remission No CNS leukemia or lymphoma requiring intrathecal or craniospinal radiotherapy PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 16 and over Bilirubin no greater than 2 times upper limit of normal (unless due to leukemia) Creatinine clearance at least 50 mL/min (unless due to leukemia) No neurologic toxicity of grade 3 or greater during prior treatment of ALL/LBL No preexisting neuropathy of grade 2 or greater regardless of causality No history of seizure disorder Not pregnant or nursing Fertile patients must use effective contraception PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: No concurrent erythropoietin No other concurrent chemotherapy No concurrent dexamethasone or other steroidal antiemetics No concurrent hormone therapy, except for non-disease-related conditions