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