Flavopiridol in Treating Patients With Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Inclusion Criteria: * Histologically diagnosed intermediate risk (stage I or II) or high risk (stage III or IV) refractory B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia * Intermediate risk group must have evidence of active disease as shown by at least one of the following: * Massive or progressive splenomegaly and/or lymphadenopathy * Weight loss of greater than 10% in the last 6 months * CALGB grade 2-4 fatigue * Fevers greater than 100.5 degree Fahrenheit OR night sweats for greater than2 weeks without evidence of infection * Progressive lymphocytosis with an increase greater than 50% over a 2 month period or an anticipated doubling time of less than 6 months * Refractory to fludarabine treatment OR relapsed within 6 months of fludarabine * Lymphocytosis greater than 5000/mm3 at some time during disease * Bilirubin no greater than 1.5 times upper limit of normal (ULN) * Creatinine no greater than 1.5 times ULN * Not pregnant or nursing * Fertile patients must use effective contraception * No more than 1 prior nonradiolabeled antibody treatment (e.g., Campath-1H or rituximab) * At least 1, but no more than 3, prior chemotherapy regimens * At least 1 prior chemotherapy regimen comprising fludarabine * No other concurrent chemotherapy * No concurrent chronic use of oral corticosteroids * No concurrent hormone therapy except for non-disease related conditions * No concurrent dexamethasone or other corticosteroid-based antiemetics * No concurrent palliative radiotherapy