Combination Chemotherapy in Treating Patients With AIDS-Related Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Diagnosis of acquired immune deficiency syndrome Histologically confirmed stage I, II, III, or IV intermediate- or high-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma B-cell, T-cell, or indeterminate immunologic phenotype Measurable or evaluable disease No clinical, radiographic, or cytological evidence of CNS parenchymal, vitreal, or leptomeningeal involvement by lymphoma NOTE: 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. PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age 18 and over (in the United States) 16 and over (in Africa) Performance status ECOG 0-3 Life expectancy At least 6 weeks Hematopoietic WBC at least 1,500/mm3 Platelet count at least 50,000/mm3 Hepatic Bilirubin no greater than 3.0 mg/dL Renal Creatinine no greater than 3.0 mg/dL Other Concurrent active infection for which patient is receiving treatment allowed provided clinical status is stable Not pregnant or nursing Negative pregnancy test Fertile patients must use effective barrier contraception PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy Not specified Chemotherapy No prior chemotherapy for lymphoma Endocrine therapy Not specified Radiotherapy Prior radiotherapy for stage I or II disease allowed provided there is documentation of disease progression Surgery Not specified Other Concurrent antiretroviral therapy (except zidovudine) allowed