Theophylline in Treating Patients With In Situ, Stage I, or Stage II Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

You may be eligible if

• DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically proven stage 0, I, or II B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia Stable disease that would otherwise be observed
• PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: ECOG 0-2 Life expectancy: At least 1 year Hematopoietic: Absolute lymphocyte count greater than 5,000/mm3 Mature lymphocytes with less than 55% prolymphocytes, atypical lymphocytes, or lymphoblasts Bone marrow with at least 30% lymphocytes Hepatic: No cirrhosis Renal: Not specified Cardiovascular: No history of unstable cardiac arrhythmia No active congestive heart failure Other: No history of uncontrolled seizure disorder Not pregnant or nursing Negative pregnancy test Fertile patients must use effective contraception No other concurrent condition that would make life expectancy less than 1 year
• PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: No concurrent interferon alfa Chemotherapy: No prior chemotherapy No concurrent chemotherapy Endocrine therapy: At least 3 months since prior corticosteroids No concurrent corticosteroids Radiotherapy: Not specified Surgery: Not specified