DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Diagnosis of refractory or relapsed acute lymphocytic leukemia No isolated extramedullary relapse (e.g., testicular, CNS) Combined extramedullary and bone marrow relapse allowed No uncontrolled, severe leukemic complications, e.g.: Pneumonia with hypoxia Shock Cardiac failure Hemorrhage No refractoriness to platelet transfusion No unaspirable pleural effusions or ascites in patients with first relapse