Antineoplaston Therapy in Treating Patients With Low-Grade Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically proven stage II, III, or IV low grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma that is unlikely to respond to existing therapy or for which no established therapy exists 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 Performance status: Karnofsky 60-100% Life expectancy: At least 2 months Hematopoietic: WBC greater than 2,000/mm^3 Platelet count greater than 20,000/mm^3 Hepatic: Bilirubin normal Renal: Creatinine normal No history of renal conditions that contraindicate high dosages of sodium Cardiovascular: No hypertension No history of congestive heart failure No history of other 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 No serious active infections PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: At least 4 weeks since immunotherapy and recovered No concurrent immunomodulating agents (e.g., interferon, interleukin-2) Chemotherapy: At least 4 weeks since prior chemotherapy (6 weeks for nitrosoureas) and recovered Endocrine therapy: At least 4 weeks since prior corticosteroids No concurrent corticosteroids Radiotherapy: At least 8 weeks since prior radiotherapy and recovered Surgery: Not specified Other: No prior antineoplaston therapy No other concurrent antineoplastic agents No concurrent antibiotics, antifungals, or antivirals