Reduced intensity chemotherapy given with and without Imatinib Mesylate in patients >= 60 years considered unfit for standard chemotherapy with previously untreated Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) and refractory anemia with excess of Blasts (RAEB, RAEB-T); A randomized phase II study.

1. Patients >= 60 years;

2. Patients considered unfit for standard chemotherapy;

3. Patients with a confirmed diagnosis of:

a. AML FAB M0-M2 or M4–M7 (see appendix A);

b. with refractory anemia with excess of blasts (RAEB) or refractory anemia with
excess of blasts in transformation (RAEB-T) with an IPSS score >= 1.5;

4. Subjects with secondary AML progressing from antecedent (at least 4 months duration) myelodysplasia are also eligible;

5. AST (SGOT) and ALT (SGPT), total serum bilirubin, serum creatinine, and creatinine clearance not more than 1.5 x the upper limit of the normal range (ULN) at the laboratory where the analyses were performed;

6. Male patients agree to employ an effective barrier method of birth control throughout the study and for up to 3 months following the discontinuation of study drug;

7. Written informed consent.

1. Patients previously treated for AML (any antileukemic therapy including investigational agents);

2. Patients with cardiac dysfunction as defined by:

a. Myocardial infarction within the last 6 months prior to study entry;

b. Reduced left ventricular ejection fraction of < 50% as evaluated by echocardiogram or MUGA scan;

c. Unstable angina;

d. Unstable cardiac arrhythmia;

3. Patients with a history of non-compliance to medical regimens or who are considered potentially unreliable;

4. Patients with any serious concomitant medical condition, which could, in the opinion of the investigator, compromise participation in the study;

5. Patients who have senile dementia, mental impairment or any other psychiatric disorder that prohibits the patient from understanding and giving informed consent.