DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed recurrent intermediate or high grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) AIDS-related NHL eligible At least 1 evaluable or measurable disease as defined by the following: Radiographic findings are acceptable Bidimensionally measurable defect on a computed tomographic (CT) scan Clearly defined abdominal masses on CT scans Enlarged spleen and/or liver extending at least 5 cm below the costal margin Biopsy proven lymphomatous hepatic involvement No clinical or radiographic evidence of parenchymal CNS involvement by lymphoma (meningeal lymphoma permitted) A new classification scheme for adult non-Hodgkin's lymphoma has been adopted by PDQ. The terminology of "indolent" or "aggressive" lymphoma will replace the former terminology of "low", "intermediate", or "high" grade lymphoma. However, this protocol uses the former terminology.