VNP40101M in Treating Patients With Richter Syndrome or Refractory or Relapsed Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia or Other Lymphoproliferative Disorders

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Diagnosis of 1 of the following hematologic malignancies: Fludarabine refractory or relapsed chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) CLL in transformation allowed Richter syndrome Other refractory lymphoproliferative diseases PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: ECOG performance status 0-2 Creatinine ≤ 2.0 mg/dL Renal dysfunction due to organ infiltration by disease allowed AST and ALT ≤ 3 times upper limit of normal (ULN) (unless due to organ infiltration by disease) Bilirubin ≤ 1.5 times ULN (unless due to Gilbert's syndrome) Not pregnant or nursing Negative pregnancy test Fertile patients must use effective contraception No uncontrolled infection No symptomatic coronary artery disease No arrhythmia not controlled by medication No uncontrolled, symptomatic congestive heart failure No myocardial infarction within the past 3 months No other uncontrolled illness No psychiatric illness or social situation that would preclude study compliance PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: At least 2 weeks since prior cytotoxic therapy except in patients with rapidly progressing disease No other concurrent standard or investigational treatment for this cancer No other concurrent cytotoxic investigational drugs No concurrent disulfiram