Dose Escalation Study of Gleevec and Chlorambucil in Previously Treated Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Patients

Inclusion Criteria:

* B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (a) Rai stage 0-II with indication for treatment by NCI Working Group Criteria: or (b) Rai stage III or IV.
* Received a minimum of one prior chemotherapy regimen. Prior treatment with corticosteroids, immunotherapies, monoclonal antibodies or radiation therapy is permitted.
* White blood cell count \> 25 x 10\^9/L
* ECOG 0, 1,or 2.
* Adequate renal and hepatic function
* Platelets \> 75 x 10\^9/L, transfusion independent.
* Neutrophils \> 1.0 x 10\^9/L, transfusion independent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Documented prolymphocytic leukemia (PLL; prolymphocytes, 55% in blood)
* Active cardiovascular disease as defined by NYHA class III-IV categorization.
* Intercurrent illness or medical condition precluding safe administration of ribavirin.
* Concurrent use of chronic steroids, except as replacement therapy for adrenal insufficiency
* Known infection with HIV, Hepatitis B or C.
* Concurrent malignancy (other than resected basal or squamous cell skin cancers or in-situ carcinoma).
* Received any previous therapy for CLL within 28 days prior to study entry.