Antineoplaston Therapy in Treating Patients With High-Grade Stage II - Stage IV Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically proven stage II, III, or IV high-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma that has not responded to, or has relapsed after a standard primary chemotherapy regimen plus at least 1 standard second-line salvage chemotherapy regimen NOTE: A new classification scheme for adult non-Hodgkin's lymphoma has been adoptedby 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. PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: Karnofsky 60-100% Life expectancy: At least 2 months Hematopoietic: WBC greater than 2000/mm^3 Platelet count greater than 50,000/mm^3 Hepatic: Bilirubin no greater than 2.5 mg/dL Renal: Creatinine no greater than 2.5 mg/dL No history of renal conditions that contraindicate high dosages of sodium Cardiovascular: No uncontrolled hypertension No history of congestive heart failure No history of cardiovascular conditions that contraindicate high dosages of sodium Other: Not pregnant or nursing Fertile patients must use effective contraception during and for 4 weeks after study participation No active infection requiring treatment PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: At least 4 weeks since prior immunotherapy and recovered No concurrent immunomodulatory agent (e.g., interferon or interleukin-2) Chemotherapy: See Disease Characteristics At least 4 weeks since prior chemotherapy (6 weeks for nitrosoureas) and recovered No concurrent antineoplastic agent Endocrine therapy: At least 4 weeks since prior dexamethasone, prednisone, or other corticosteroids No concurrent corticosteroid Radiotherapy: At least 8 weeks since prior radiotherapy and recovered Surgery: Not specified Other: No prior antineoplaston therapy No concurrent antibiotics, antifungals, or antivirals