DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Previously untreated large cell lymphoma, including the following histologic designations: Rappaport classification Diffuse histiocytic Mixed lymphocytic-histiocytic Working Formulation classification Diffuse large cell, cleaved and/or noncleaved Immunoblastic Diffuse, mixed small and large cell Lukes-Collins classification Diffuse large cleaved Diffuse large noncleaved Immunoblastic T or B cell True histiocytic Updated Kiel classification Cytocentric large cell Centroblastic-centrocytic T-zone Lymphoepithelioid cell (Lennert's) Immunoblastic T or B cell Large cell anaplastic Pleomorphic Centroblastic-centrocytic, diffuse Malignant histiocytosis Murphy stage III/IV HIV-associated lymphoma eligible Any degree of bone marrow involvement eligible CNS disease eligible (such patients not randomized)