DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: HIV-1 infection documented by ELISA and Western blot Histologically proven non-Hodgkin's lymphoma showing at least partial response to standard chemotherapy regimen Poor prognosis in first chemotherapy induced remission Increased LDH AND/OR Stage III or IV AND/OR Reduced performance status (ECOG 2 or worse) OR Response but no complete remission following four courses of standard chemotherapy OR Responding relapse after primary therapy No primary CNS lymphoma No uncontrolled meningeal lymphoma at mobilization