Auto BMT for Non-M3 AML in 1st Remission in Pts </=60y of Age Using Busulfan/FTBI & VP16 as a Prep R

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: * Diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) * FAB types M0-2 and M4-M7 * No M3 disease * In first complete hematological remission as confirmed by marrow aspiration and biopsy * No cytogenetic abnormality in the remission marrow * In complete remission for less than 6 months * Patients who have been in complete remission for more than 6 months may be eligible upon approval of the principal investigator * No prior myeloproliferative disorder (e.g., chronic myeloid leukemia, myelofibrosis, essential thrombocytosis, or polycythemia vera) * No prior myelodysplasia or secondary leukemia PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: * FEV\_1 \> 60% * DLCO \> 50% * Cardiac ejection fraction ≥ 50% * Creatinine clearance \> 60 mL/min * No severe chronic medical or psychological illness that, in the judgement of the principal investigator, would jeopardize the ability of the patient to tolerate aggressive chemotherapy * No HIV positivity * Not pregnant * Negative pregnancy test PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: * Prior consolidation therapy allowed * No concurrent use the following medications during aldesleukin therapy : * Corticosteroids (including blood product "pre-meds") * Pentoxifylline * IV or intrathecal methotrexate * IV immunoglobulin * Other cytokines or growth factors