DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically proven lymphoproliferation following organ (kidney, liver, or heart) allograft Bidimensionally measurable disease If all disease removed at biopsy, eligible only if recurrence is bidimensionally measurable Group 1 (clinically urgent disease): Histologically proven involvement of the allograft OR Histologically proven bone marrow involvement OR Liver involvement with hepatic insufficiency Bilirubin greater than upper limit of normal (ULN) OR SGOT or SGPT at least 2 times ULN OR Clinical hepatic encephalopathy OR LDH at least 3 times ULN OR Systemic sepsis OR Locally urgent lesions Tonsillar enlargement that threatens airway Superior vena cava syndrome Bilateral hydronephrosis Postobstructive pneumonia OR Small noncleaved lymphocytic lymphoma (i.e., adult Burkitt's lymphoma) Group 2: All other patients No CNS disease only

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 15 and over Performance status: Not specified Hematopoietic: Not specified Hepatic: See Disease Characteristics Renal: Not specified Cardiovascular: See Disease Characteristics Pulmonary: See Disease Characteristics Other: No known AIDS, HIV-associated complex, or positive HIV antibody No other malignancy within past 5 years, except: Adequately treated basal or squamous cell skin cancer Adequately treated stage I or II cancer or other noninvasive cancers Carcinoma in situ of the cervix Not pregnant or nursing Fertile patients must use effective contraception

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: No prior interferon for lymphoma No prior bone marrow transplantation Chemotherapy: No prior chemotherapy for lymphoma Endocrine therapy: Not specified Radiotherapy: Not specified Surgery: See Disease Characteristics Other: Intra-aortic balloon pump allowed only for heart failure caused by acute rejection or lymphomatous involvement