Flavopiridol in Treating Patients With Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Inclusion Criteria: Histologically diagnosed intermediate risk (stage I or II) or high risk (stage III or IV) refractory B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia Intermediate risk group must have evidence of active disease as shown by at least one of the following: Massive or progressive splenomegaly and/or lymphadenopathy Weight loss of greater than 10% in the last 6 months CALGB grade 2-4 fatigue Fevers greater than 100.5 degree Fahrenheit OR night sweats for greater than2 weeks without evidence of infection Progressive lymphocytosis with an increase greater than 50% over a 2 month period or an anticipated doubling time of less than 6 months Refractory to fludarabine treatment OR relapsed within 6 months of fludarabine Lymphocytosis greater than 5000/mm3 at some time during disease Bilirubin no greater than 1.5 times upper limit of normal (ULN) Creatinine no greater than 1.5 times ULN Not pregnant or nursing Fertile patients must use effective contraception No more than 1 prior nonradiolabeled antibody treatment (e.g., Campath-1H or rituximab) At least 1, but no more than 3, prior chemotherapy regimens At least 1 prior chemotherapy regimen comprising fludarabine No other concurrent chemotherapy No concurrent chronic use of oral corticosteroids No concurrent hormone therapy except for non-disease related conditions No concurrent dexamethasone or other corticosteroid-based antiemetics No concurrent palliative radiotherapy