Study of DT388GMCSF Fusion Protein in Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML) and Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia (CMML)

Inclusion Criteria: Patients with refractory or relapsed AML ( marrow blasts > 20% ), must have failed induction therapy or have relapsed after CR duration < 6 months following induction therapy, untreated or refractory to salvage chemotherapy. Relapsed AML patients with CR duration > 6 months or previously untreated patients refusing chemotherapy and not considered for treatments of higher priority are also eligible. Patients with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) who failed at least one course of chemo- or biological therapy( including trial of erythropoietin), or patients with relapsed CMML. Previously untreated CMML patients with HB < or = 12 g / dL, not eligible for protocols of higher priority or not wishing to receive chemotherapy. Patients must have an ECOG performance status of < 2. Patients must have WBC count < 10,000/mL prior to initiating the treatment. The WBC count must be stabilized below this level for at least three days by leukopheresis or hydroxyurea. Hydroxyurea must be discontinued one day prior to initiation of DT388GMCSF treatment. Patients must have creatinine < 1.6 times ULN: bilirubin <1.6 times ULN; SGPT < 2.6 x ULN; albumin > 3 gm/dl; adequate cardiac function (EF >44%), oxygen saturation > 92% without exogenous oxygen administered. Patients must be willing to be treated at M D Anderson Cancer Center. Women of childbearing potential and men must agree to practice contraception using approved methods. No chemotherapy except Hydroxyurea 2 weeks prior to entering the study and recovered from previous toxicity. Patients must be > 17 years old. Exclusion Criteria: Patients with serious concurrent medical problems. Patients with proven bacterial infections are not eligible until the resolution of the infection (patient afebrile who completed antibacterial therapy, not on steroids). Patients with active fungal infections are eligible only if evidence of response to antifungal medications is documented and fever does not exceed 38C for at least 2 days. Inability to give informed consent because of psychiatric problems or other serious medical problems. Pregnant or nursing women. Patients with documented CNS leukemia or leukemia with CNS symptoms. Patients who have had a myocardial infarction within the past six months. Patients with severe penicillin allergy (anaphylaxis). Not fully recovered from toxic effects of prior chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Patients who are on corticosteroid treatment for any medical condition.