Alemtuzumab in Treating Patients With Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Diagnosis of Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia (lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma) Immunoglobulin (Ig) M, IgG, and IgA paraprotein Measurable monoclonal paraprotein Failed at least 1 prior first-line therapy (alkylator agent, nucleoside analogue, or rituximab) CD52-positive tumor determined by either bone marrow immunohistochemistry or flow cytometry PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age Over 18 Performance status ECOG 0-2 Life expectancy At least 6 months Hematopoietic Absolute neutrophil count ≥ 500/mm^3 Platelet count ≥ 25,000/mm^3 Hepatic SGOT ≤ 2.5 times upper limit of normal (ULN) Bilirubin ≤ 2.5 times ULN Renal Creatinine ≤ 2.5 mg/dL (> 2.5 mg/dL allowed if due to disease) Other Not pregnant or nursing Negative pregnancy test Fertile patients must use effective double-method contraception during and for 6 months after study participation No serious comorbid disease No uncontrolled bacterial, fungal, or viral infection No other active malignancy PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy See Disease Characteristics No prior alemtuzumab More than 3 months since other prior monoclonal antibody therapy Chemotherapy See Disease Characteristics More than 21 days since prior chemotherapy Endocrine therapy More than 21 days since prior steroid therapy Radiotherapy More than 21 days since prior radiotherapy Surgery Not specified