Recurrent Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia, BCR-ABL1 Positive

This phase II trial studies how well cladribine, idarubicin, cytarabine, and venetoclax work in patients with acute myeloid leukemia, high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome, or blastic phase chronic myeloid leukemia. Drugs used in chemotherapy, such as cladribine, idarubicin, cytarabine, and venetoclax, 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.

This phase II trial studies how well ponatinib hydrochloride works as second line therapy in treating patients with chronic myeloid leukemia in chronic phase that has not responded to initial treatment (first line) with imatinib mesylate, dasatinib, or nilotinib or cannot tolerate imatinib mesylate, dasatinib, or nilotinib. Ponatinib hydrochloride may stop or control the growth of cancer cells by blocking a protein needed for cell growth.

This phase I trial studies the side effects and best dose of edetate calcium disodium or succimer in treating patients with acute myeloid leukemia or myelodysplastic syndrome undergoing chemotherapy. Edetate calcium disodium or succimer may help to lower the level of metals found in the bone marrow and blood and may help to control the disease and/or improve response to chemotherapy.