The purpose of this study was to determine the induction rate, duration of response and toxicity of cytosine arabinoside (1.0 gm/m2 i.v. over 2 h q 12 h x 8 doses days 1 through 4) and mitoxantrone (12 mg/m2 over 1 h daily x 4 doses days 3 through 6) in pediatric patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Patients achieving a complete remission received either bone marrow transplantation or further chemotherapy. Twenty-seven of 37 evaluable patients (73% (95% confidence interval 59-87%)) achieved a complete remission. For all responding patients, the projected median time to relapse is 12 months. The projected 1 and 2 year disease-free survival is 47% (28-66) and 41% (21-61) with a range of follow-up of 0 to 48+ months. The major toxicity was bone marrow suppression and infection. This therapy is very active in pediatric AML and has acceptable toxicity. Some patients treated achieve prolonged survival.