OBJECTIVES:~Determine the response rate of patients with myelodysplastic syndromes or chronic myelomonocytic leukemia treated with doxercalciferol.~Determine the toxicity profile of this drug in these patients.~Determine the time to progression and overall survival of patients treated with this drug.~OUTLINE: Patients receive oral doxercalciferol daily for 12 weeks. Treatment continues in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.~PROJECTED ACCRUAL: Approximately 41 patients will be accrued for this study.
RATIONALE: Doxercalciferol may improve low blood cell counts and decrease the need for blood transfusions and may be an effective treatment for myelodysplastic syndrome or chronic myelomonocytic leukemia.~PURPOSE: Phase II trial to study the effectiveness of doxercalciferol in treating patients who have myelodysplastic syndrome or chronic myelomonocytic leukemia.