PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: See Disease Characteristics At least 1 month since prior interferon, interleukin-3, or interleukin-11 At least 1 month since prior epoetin alfa, filgrastim (G-CSF), or sargramostim (GM-CSF) No concurrent hematologic growth factors Chemotherapy: See Disease Characteristics Prior chemotherapy for nonleukemic malignancy allowed No prior azacitidine Endocrine therapy: At least 1 month since prior corticosteroids or danazol No concurrent steroids Radiotherapy: Prior radiotherapy for nonleukemic malignancy allowed Surgery: Not specified Other: No prior antithymocyte globulin or cyclosporine No prior amifostine