A Randomized Phase III Study of Intensive Consolidation With High Dose Cytosine Arabinoside in Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML-8B)

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Newly diagnosed, untreated acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), as follows: Any cytological type according to the FAB classification At least 30% blast cells in bone marrow smear required Secondary acute leukemia eligible, i.e.: AML cured Hodgkin's disease or other malignancy AML following exposure to alkylating agents or radiation The following are specifically excluded: Blast crisis of chronic myeloid leukemia Leukemia supervening after other myeloproliferative disease Leukemia supervening after overt myelodysplastic disorder (e.g., refractory anemia with excess blasts) of more than 6 months' duration

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 45-60 Patients 10-45 are eligible for EORTC-06863 Performance status: Not specified Hematopoietic: Not specified Hepatic: No severe concomitant hepatic disease Renal: No severe concomitant renal disease Cardiovascular: No severe concomitant cardiac disease Other: No severe concomitant neurological disease No other progressive malignant disease

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: No prior therapy Chemotherapy: No prior chemotherapy Endocrine therapy: No more than 7 days of corticosteroids for AML Radiotherapy: No prior radiotherapy Surgery: Not applicable