BL22 Immunotoxin in Treating Patients With Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma or Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed chronic lymphocytic leukemia or prolymphocytic leukemia: Failed prior standard chemotherapy and treatment is medically indicated as evidenced by the following: Progressive disease-related symptoms Progressive cytopenias due to marrow involvement Progressive or painful splenomegaly or adenopathy Rapidly increasing lymphocytosis Autoimmune hemolytic anemia or thrombocytopenia Increased frequency of infections OR Confirmed CD22+ B-cell indolent non-Hodgkin's lymphoma Stages II-IV that have failed at least 1 prior standard therapy and treatment is medically indicated No patients whose serum neutralizes BL22 or PE38 in tissue culture, due to antitoxin or antimouse-IgG antibodies No central nervous system disease requiring treatment If the patient is non-leukemic, the absolute neutrophil count must be greater than 1,000/mm3 and the platelet count greater than 40,000/mm3 PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: Karnofsky 60-100% Life expectancy: More than 6 months Hematopoietic: See Disease Characteristics Hepatic: ALT and AST less than 5 times upper limit of normal Renal: Adequate renal function Pulmonary: Adequate pulmonary function Other: Not pregnant or nursing Negative pregnancy test Fertile patients must use effective contraception HIV negative PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: Prior bone marrow transplantation allowed At least 3 weeks since prior interferon for malignancy Chemotherapy: See Disease Characteristics At least 3 weeks since prior cytotoxic chemotherapy for malignancy Endocrine therapy: Not specified Radiotherapy: At least 3 weeks since prior radiotherapy for malignancy Surgery: Not specified Other: At least 3 weeks since prior retinoids At least 3 weeks since prior systemic therapy for cancer