Comparison of Three Treatment Regimens in Treating Patients With Relapsed or Refractory Acute Myelogenous Leukemia

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: * Histologically proven acute myelogenous leukemia of one of the following types: * Acute myeloblastic leukemia (FAB type M0, M1, or M2) * Acute promyelocytic leukemia (FAB type M3) allowed if ineligible for an ECOG M3 protocol or if no tretinoin or arsenic trioxide therapy is planned * Acute myelomonocytic leukemia (FAB type M4) * Acute monocytic leukemia (FAB type M5) * Acute erythroleukemia (FAB type M6) * Acute megakaryocytic leukemia (FAB type M7) * Must meet 1 of the following criteria: * Relapse less than 6 months after first complete remission (CR) * Relapse 6-12 months after first CR * Refractory to conventional initial induction chemotherapy (no more than 2 courses) or first reinduction (no more than 1 course) * Must have marrow documentation of residual leukemia after chemotherapy (for at least 2 weeks duration) * Second or greater relapse * No relapse greater than 1 year after achieving first CR * Blast cells must be CD33 positive * Prior CNS leukemia allowed if there is currently documentation of no CNS involvement on CSF examination (i.e., negative CSF by lumbar puncture) PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: * 18 and over Performance status: * ECOG 0-2 Life expectancy: * Not specified Hematopoietic: * See Disease Characteristics Hepatic: * Bilirubin no greater than 2.0 mg/dL\* * SGOT less than 2 times upper limit of normal\* NOTE: \*Unless due to leukemia infiltration Renal: * Creatinine no greater than 2.0 mg/dL Cardiovascular: * See Chemotherapy * No myocardial infarction within the past 3 months * No significant congestive heart failure * No significant cardiac arrhythmia * Cardiac ejection fraction normal by MUGA scan or echocardiogram * Resting ejection fraction at least 50% or at least 5% increase with exercise * Shortening fraction at least 24% or normal by echocardiogram Other: * Not pregnant or nursing * Fertile patients must use effective contraception * No concurrent organ damage or other medical problems that would precludestudy therapy * No concurrent evidence (including positive blood or deep tissue cultures or stains) of invasive fungal infection * No hypersensitivity to ingredients of gemtuzumab ozogamicin or daunorubicin liposomal * No other active tumor that would interfere with study therapy or increase risk PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: * No prior gemtuzumab ozogamicin Chemotherapy: * See Disease Characteristics * See Biologic therapy * No prior daunorubicin liposomal or topotecan * Prior doxorubicin (no greater than 300 mg/m2), daunorubicin (no greater than 300 mg/m2), idarubicin (no greater than 100 mg/m2), or mitoxantrone (no greater than 100 mg/m2) allowed if left ventricular function is adequate * At least 4 weeks since prior chemotherapy except patients who are refractory to conventional initial induction chemotherapy * Prior hydroxyurea allowed within 4 weeks prior to beginning study * Hydroxyurea must be discontinued at least 24 hours prior to beginning study Endocrine therapy: * Not specified Radiotherapy: * At least 4 weeks since prior radiotherapy except patients who are refractory to conventional initial induction chemotherapy Surgery: * Not specified