Rituximab and GM-CSF in Treating Patients With Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS:

* Diagnosis of B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia meeting 1 of the following criteria:

  * Previously treated stage III or IV or earlier stage disease with evidence of active disease, as defined by ≥ 1 of the following:

    * Weight loss \> 10% within the past 6 months
    * Extreme fatigue
    * Fever or night sweats without evidence of infection
    * Worsening anemia or thrombocytopenia
    * Progressive lymphocytosis with a rapid lymphocyte doubling time
    * Marked hypogammaglobulinemia or paraproteinemia
    * Lymphadenopathy \> 5 cm in diameter
  * Previously untreated stage 0-II disease with symptoms or significant fatigue or at high risk of progression due to of B2 microglobulin \> 3.0 mg/mL
  * Patients who are ≥ 70 years of age with previously untreated stage III or IV or earlier stage disease requiring treatment but who refused chemotherapy are eligible

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS:

Performance status

* Zubrod 0-2

Life expectancy

* Not specified

Hematopoietic

* See Disease Characteristics

Hepatic

* Bilirubin \< 2.0 mg/dL\* (elevated bilirubin allowed if due to of Gilbert's disease) NOTE: \*Liver dysfunction due to lymphocytic organ infiltration allowed

Renal

* Creatinine \< 2.5 mg/dL\* NOTE: \*Renal dysfunction due to lymphocytic organ infiltration allowed

Other

* Not pregnant or nursing
* Negative pregnancy test
* Fertile patients must use effective contraception
* No active viral infection (e.g., viral hepatitis)

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY:

Chemotherapy

* See Disease Characteristics