Amifostine in Treating Patients With Advanced Myelodysplastic Syndrome

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically proven advanced myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), including: Refractory anemia Refractory anemia with ringed sideroblasts Refractory anemia with excess blasts Refractory anemia with excess blasts in transformation MDS with at least bicytopenia No chronic myelomonocytic leukemia No acute leukemia PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 17 and over Performance Status: ECOG 0-2 Life Expectancy: Greater than 6 months Hematopoietic: Hemoglobin less than 8.5 g/dL Absolute granulocyte count less than 1,000 g/dL Platelet count less than 70,000/mm3 Hepatic: No major hepatic problems Renal: No major renal problems Cardiovascular: No major cardiac disease Other: Prior transfusion of blood products is allowed Not pregnant Fertile patients must use effective contraception PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: Prior cytokine therapy is allowed Chemotherapy: No prior chemotherapy Endocrine therapy: Prior steroid therapy is allowed Radiotherapy: Not specified Surgery: Not specified Other: Prior leucovorin calcium and pyridoxine allowed