Imatinib Mesylate and 17-N-Allylamino-17-Demethoxygeldanamycin in Treating Patients With Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Diagnosis of chronic myelogenous leukemia, including any of the following phases: Blastic phase Greater than 30% blasts in the peripheral blood or bone marrow Previously untreated disease OR refractory to or relapsed after most recent therapy Accelerated phase, defined by 1 of the following: At least 15, but less than 30%, blasts in the peripheral blood or bone marrow At least 30% blasts and promyelocytes in the peripheral blood or bone marrow Greater than 20% peripheral blood basophilia Chronic phase No major cytogenetic response (less than 65% Philadelphia chromosome negative) after 12 months of prior imatinib mesylate therapy Philadelphia chromosome positive by routine cytogenetics PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age 18 and over Performance status ECOG 0-2 Life expectancy At least 3 months Hematopoietic Not specified Hepatic Bilirubin no greater than 1.5 mg/dL ALT and AST no greater than 2.5 times upper limit of normal Renal Creatinine less than 1.5 mg/dL Cardiovascular No symptomatic congestive heart failure No unstable angina pectoris No cardiac arrhythmia Other Not pregnant or nursing Negative pregnancy test Fertile patients must use effective contraception No known allergy to eggs Able to swallow pills No ongoing or active infection No psychiatric illness or social situation that would preclude study compliance No other concurrent uncontrolled medical illness PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy No prior stem cell transplantation Chemotherapy More than 4 weeks since prior chemotherapy (except hydroxyurea or anagrelide) (at least 6 weeks for nitrosoureas or mitomycin) Endocrine therapy Not specified Radiotherapy More than 4 weeks since prior radiotherapy Surgery No prior liver, kidney, or lung transplantation More than 14 days since prior major surgery (e.g., thoracotomy or intra-abdominal surgery) Other Prior imatinib mesylate administered within the past 4 weeks is allowed No concurrent tacrolimus or cyclosporine as immunosuppressive agents No other concurrent investigational agents No concurrent combination antiretroviral therapy for HIV-positive patients No concurrent agents that alter CYP3A4 activity, including any of the following: Grapefruit juice Ketoconazole Fluconazole Itraconazole Erythromycin Clarithromycin Cimetidine Terfenadine Astemizole HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., indinavir and nelfinavir)