Vaccine Therapy in Treating Patients With Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Diagnosis of chronic phase chronic myelogenous leukemia Philadelphia chromosome positive Peripheral blast count no greater than 10% No molecular remission Less than 3 years since initial diagnosis No anticipation of requirement for bone marrow or stem cell transplantation for 6 months PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: ECOG 0-1 Life expectancy: Not specified Hematopoietic: Hemoglobin at least 10 g/dL Platelet count at least 20,000/mm^3 Hepatic: Bilirubin less than 2.0 times upper limit of normal (ULN) Transaminase less than 2.0 times ULN Renal: Creatinine less than 2.0 mg/dL Other: Not pregnant Negative pregnancy test Fertile patients must use effective contraception No significant active infection requiring hospitalization No other serious illness or significant behavioral or psychological problem that would preclude study involvement PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: See Disease Characteristics Prior interferon alfa allowed No concurrent interferon alfa Chemotherapy: Prior cytarabine or other cytotoxic agents allowed No concurrent cytarabine or other cytotoxic agents Concurrent hydroxyurea allowed Endocrine therapy: No concurrent corticosteroid therapy Radiotherapy: Not specified Surgery: Not specified Other: No concurrent immunosuppressive medications Concurrent imatinib mesylate allowed