Chemotherapy Plus Peripheral Stem Cell Transplantation in Treating Patients With Acute Myeloid Leukemia in Second Remission

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in second complete remission (CR) for 30 days to less than 1 year before study entry Second CR defined by the following: Neutrophil count at least 1,000/mm3 Platelet count at least 100,000/mm3 Normal bone marrow morphology with no excess blasts (greater than 5%) No myelodysplasia No extramedullary or CNS leukemia Initial diagnosis of de novo AML (M0-M7) No prior myelodysplasia No myeloproliferative disease No secondary AML Cytogenetics not required No cytogenetic evidence of persistent leukemia if cytogenetics performed

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 15 to 69 Hematopoietic: See Disease Characteristics Granulocyte count at least 1,000/mm3 Hepatic: Bilirubin less than 1.5 mg/dL AST less than 3 times normal Alkaline phosphatase less than 3 times normal No cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis Biopsy required if chronic liver disease suspected (history of alcohol abuse or possible hepatitis) Renal: Creatinine less than 2.0 mg/dL Other: Not pregnant or nursing Fertile patients must use effective contraception

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: No prior bone marrow/stem cell transplantation Chemotherapy: Prior non-ablative chemotherapy at initial diagnosis, during initial remission, or as reinduction therapy (to produce current second remission) allowed At least 4 weeks since hospital discharge after reinduction therapy Endocrine therapy: Not specified Radiotherapy: Not specified Surgery: Not specified Other: No prior post-remission therapy for second remission