Combination Chemotherapy Followed By Filgrastim or Sargramostim in Treating Patients With Relapsed or Refractory Acute Myeloid Leukemia or Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia or acute lymphoblastic leukemia by morphology, cytochemical staining, and flow cytometry In first or subsequent relapse or refractory disease after at least 1 prior treatment regimen Antecedent hematologic disorders allowed except Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myelogenous leukemia PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age 15 and over Performance status 0-3 Life expectancy At least 4 weeks Hematopoietic Not specified Hepatic Bilirubin no greater than 2 times normal* SGOT no greater than 2 times normal* NOTE: *Unless directly attributable to leukemia Renal Creatinine no greater than 1.5 times normal* NOTE: *Unless directly attributable to leukemia Cardiovascular Ejection fraction at least 45%* NOTE: *Unless directly attributable to leukemia Other Not pregnant or nursing Negative pregnancy test Fertile patients must use effective contraception No other concurrent medical or psychiatric illness that would preclude study entry PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy Prior autologous or allogeneic bone marrow or peripheral blood stem cell transplantation allowed Prior cytokines allowed Chemotherapy Prior chemotherapy allowed Endocrine therapy No concurrent corticosteroids except for treatment of severe vomiting that is refractory to standard agents Radiotherapy Prior radiotherapy allowed Surgery Not specified