SJG-136 in Treating Patients With Relapsed or Refractory Acute Leukemia, Myelodysplastic Syndromes, Blastic Phase Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia, or Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of 1 of the following hematologic malignancies:

  • Acute myeloid leukemia
  • Acute lymphoblastic leukemia
  • Myelodysplastic syndromes
  • Chronic myelogenous leukemia in blastic phase
  • Chronic lymphocytic leukemia
• Relapsed or refractory disease
• No immediately available, potentially curable options (e.g., stem cell transplantation) available
• Bilirubin normal (unless elevated due to Gilbert's syndrome)
• HIV positivity allowed provided CD4 counts are normal with no AIDS-defining disease
• Not pregnant or nursing
• Negative pregnancy test
• Fertile patients must use effective contraception

• No uncontrolled intercurrent illness including, but not limited to, any of the following:

  • Ongoing or active infection
  • Symptomatic congestive heart failure
  • Unstable angina pectoris
  • Cardiac arrhythmia
  • Psychiatric illness or social situations that would limit study compliance
• Recovered from prior therapy
• ECOG performance status =< 2
• SGOT and SGPT =< 2.5 times upper limit of normal (ULN)
• Creatinine normal OR creatinine clearance >= 60 mL/min
• Primary resistance (i.e., failed to achieve a complete remission [CR] to a standard induction regimen) or relapsed after achievement of a CR.
• Must have documented failure to last cytotoxic regimen prior to study entry.
• Ability to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document.

Exclusion Criteria:

• No known CNS disease
• No history of allergic reactions attributed to compounds of similar chemical or biologic composition to SJG-136
• More than 7 days since radiotherapy
• No concurrent combination antiretroviral therapy for HIV-positive patients
• No other anti-leukemia agents except hydroxyurea =< 5 grams/day =< 14 days prior to and during first course of treatment to control blood counts