506U78 in Treating Patients With Refractory or Relapsed Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia or Lymphoblastic Lymphoma

You may be eligible if

• DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS:
• Histologically confirmed diagnosis of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) or lymphoblastic lymphoma (LBL)
• Leukemia or lymphoma cells should express at least two of the following cell surface antigens: CD1a, CD2, CD3 (surface or cytoplasmic), CD4, CD5, CD7, and CD8
• Leukemia cells should be negative for myeloperoxidase or Sudan Black B If the only T cell markers present are CD4 and CD7, the leukemic cells should be demonstrated to lack the myeloid markers CD33 and/or CD13
• Refractory to at least one induction treatment regimen or in first or later relapse after achieving a complete remission
• No CNS leukemia or lymphoma requiring intrathecal or craniospinal radiotherapy
• PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS:
• Age: 16 and over
• Bilirubin no greater than 2 times upper limit of normal (unless due to leukemia)
• Creatinine clearance at least 50 mL/min (unless due to leukemia)
• No neurologic toxicity of grade 3 or greater during prior treatment of ALL/LBL
• No preexisting neuropathy of grade 2 or greater regardless of causality
• No history of seizure disorder
• Not pregnant or nursing
• Fertile patients must use effective contraception
• PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY:
• No concurrent erythropoietin
• No other concurrent chemotherapy
• No concurrent dexamethasone or other steroidal antiemetics
• No concurrent hormone therapy, except for non-disease-related conditions