OUTLINE: This is a randomized, multicenter study. Patients in the first randomization are stratified according to center, WBC (no greater than 25,000/mm^3 vs 25,000-99,000/mm^3 vs at least 100,000/mm^3), age (15 to 45 vs 46 to 60), and performance status (0-1 vs 2 vs 3). Patients in the second randomization are stratified according to center, first treatment arm (I vs II), number of induction courses to reach complete remission (CR), cytogenic/molecular genetic group at diagnosis (low vs high vs intermediate vs unknown), and autologous peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) transplantation planned after consolidation (yes vs no).