Liposome-encapsulated Daunorubicin-Cytarabine, Fludarabine Phosphate, Cytarabine, and Filgrastim in Treating Younger Patients With Relapsed or Refractory Acute Myeloid Leukemia

This phase I/II trial studies the side effects and best dose of liposome-encapsulated daunorubicin-cytarabine when given with fludarabine phosphate, cytarabine, and filgrastim and to see how well they work in treating younger patients with acute myeloid leukemia that has come back after treatment (relapsed) or is not responding to treatment (is refractory). Liposome-encapsulated daunorubicin-cytarabine is made up of two chemotherapy drugs, cytarabine and daunorubicin hydrochloride, and works to stop cancer cell growth by blocking the cells from dividing. Drugs used in chemotherapy, such as fludarabine phosphate and cytarabine, work in different ways to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing the cells, by stopping them from dividing, or by stopping them from spreading. Filgrastim may increase the production of blood cells and may help the immune system recover from the side effects of chemotherapy. Giving liposome-encapsulated daunorubicin-cytarabine followed by fludarabine phosphate, cytarabine, and filgrastim may be a better treatment for patients with relapsed acute myeloid leukemia and may cause fewer side effects to the heart, a common effect of other chemotherapy treatments for acute myeloid leukemia.