DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically proven or unequivocal radiologic evidence of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma that has relapsed or is refractory after first-line chemotherapy Unequivocal radiologic evidence of relapse defined as the presence of enlarged (at least 2 cm diameter) lymph nodes by CT scan or lymphangiogram Biopsy of accessible lymph nodes to confirm relapse encouraged Low-, intermediate-, or high-grade disease Normal bilateral bone marrow biopsy at time of bone marrow collection required (cellularity at least 20% and no histologic evidence of tumor) History of marrow involvement allowed if present marrow is histologically normal No disease progression in a previously irradiated site 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.