Comparison of Three Treatment Regimens in Treating Patients With Relapsed or Refractory Acute Myelogenous Leukemia

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically proven acute myelogenous leukemia of one of the following types: Acute myeloblastic leukemia (FAB type M0, M1, or M2) Acute promyelocytic leukemia (FAB type M3) allowed if ineligible for an ECOG M3 protocol or if no tretinoin or arsenic trioxide therapy is planned Acute myelomonocytic leukemia (FAB type M4) Acute monocytic leukemia (FAB type M5) Acute erythroleukemia (FAB type M6) Acute megakaryocytic leukemia (FAB type M7) Must meet 1 of the following criteria: Relapse less than 6 months after first complete remission (CR) Relapse 6-12 months after first CR Refractory to conventional initial induction chemotherapy (no more than 2 courses) or first reinduction (no more than 1 course) Must have marrow documentation of residual leukemia after chemotherapy (for at least 2 weeks duration) Second or greater relapse No relapse greater than 1 year after achieving first CR Blast cells must be CD33 positive Prior CNS leukemia allowed if there is currently documentation of no CNS involvement on CSF examination (i.e., negative CSF by lumbar puncture) PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: ECOG 0-2 Life expectancy: Not specified Hematopoietic: See Disease Characteristics Hepatic: Bilirubin no greater than 2.0 mg/dL* SGOT less than 2 times upper limit of normal* NOTE: *Unless due to leukemia infiltration Renal: Creatinine no greater than 2.0 mg/dL Cardiovascular: See Chemotherapy No myocardial infarction within the past 3 months No significant congestive heart failure No significant cardiac arrhythmia Cardiac ejection fraction normal by MUGA scan or echocardiogram Resting ejection fraction at least 50% or at least 5% increase with exercise Shortening fraction at least 24% or normal by echocardiogram Other: Not pregnant or nursing Fertile patients must use effective contraception No concurrent organ damage or other medical problems that would precludestudy therapy No concurrent evidence (including positive blood or deep tissue cultures or stains) of invasive fungal infection No hypersensitivity to ingredients of gemtuzumab ozogamicin or daunorubicin liposomal No other active tumor that would interfere with study therapy or increase risk PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: No prior gemtuzumab ozogamicin Chemotherapy: See Disease Characteristics See Biologic therapy No prior daunorubicin liposomal or topotecan Prior doxorubicin (no greater than 300 mg/m2), daunorubicin (no greater than 300 mg/m2), idarubicin (no greater than 100 mg/m2), or mitoxantrone (no greater than 100 mg/m2) allowed if left ventricular function is adequate At least 4 weeks since prior chemotherapy except patients who are refractory to conventional initial induction chemotherapy Prior hydroxyurea allowed within 4 weeks prior to beginning study Hydroxyurea must be discontinued at least 24 hours prior to beginning study Endocrine therapy: Not specified Radiotherapy: At least 4 weeks since prior radiotherapy except patients who are refractory to conventional initial induction chemotherapy Surgery: Not specified