Tipifarnib in Treating Patients With Myelodysplastic Syndromes

PRIMARY OBJECTIVES: I. To determine the toxicity profile and antitumor activity of the farnesyltransferase (FTase) inhibitor R115777 (tipifarnib) in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) treated on a one week on/one week off schedule. II. To determine the effect on R115777 on a one week on/one week off schedule on FTase activity, prenylation of RAS and other substrates and on downstream effects. OUTLINE: This is a dose-escalation study. Patients receive tipifarnib orally (PO) twice daily (BID) on weeks 1, 3, 5, and 7. Treatment repeats every 8 weeks for up to 2 courses in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.