DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically proven intermediate or high grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of one of the following histologies: Follicular, predominantly large cell Diffuse, small cleaved cell Diffuse mixed, small and large cell Diffuse, large cell (cleaved or noncleaved) Immunoblastic, large cell Small noncleaved cell, Burkitt's or non-Burkitt's No lymphoblastic lymphoma Prior diagnosis of AIDS or HIV positivity required Confirmation of HIV antibody status by Western blot mandatory Bidimensionally measurable or evaluable disease No primary CNS lymphoma Concurrent registration on protocol SWOG-8947 (central serum repository) required

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: Over 18 Performance status: SWOG 0-2 Hematopoietic: Absolute neutrophil count at least 500/mm3 Platelet count at least 75,000/mm3 Hepatic: AST no greater than 1.5 times normal Alkaline phosphatase no greater than 1.5 times normal LDH no greater than 1.5 times normal PT/PTT normal Renal: Creatinine no greater than 2.0 times normal Creatinine clearance at least 60 mL/min Cardiovascular: No serious abnormalities on EKG No history of severe coronary artery disease No history of cardiomyopathy, congestive heart failure, or arrhythmia Other: No active uncontrolled infection No active second malignancy within 5 years except adequately treated nonmelanoma skin cancer or adequately treated carcinoma in situ of the cervix Not pregnant or nursing Fertile patients must use effective contraception

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: No prior chemotherapy or radiotherapy for lymphoma