Combination Chemotherapy in Treating Patients With Intermediate-Grade or Immunoblastic Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Previously untreated non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) of one of the following histologies: Diffuse large cell Follicular large non-cleaved cell Diffuse mixed cell Immunoblastic At least 2 of the following poor-prognosis factors required: Age over 60 Performance status greater than 1 Any elevation of LDH More than 1 extranodal site Ann Arbor stage III or IV T- and B-cell NHL eligible if meeting all above criteria No primary CNS lymphoma Brain involvement eligible if not primary

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: Over 15 Performance status: Any status Hematopoietic: (unless secondary to tumor) Absolute granulocyte count at least 1,000/mm3 Platelet count at least 100,000/mm3 Hepatic: Bilirubin less than 1.5 mg/dL Elevation secondary to tumor discussed with study chairman Renal: (unless secondary to tumor) Creatinine no greater than 1.5 mg/dL Cardiovascular: Left ventricular ejection fraction greater than 55% by echocardiography Pulmonary: No chronic obstructive or restrictive lung disease Pulmonary consultation required in cases of doubt Other: No HIV infection No prior malignancy with less than a 90% 5-year survival probability No patients unable or unlikely to adhere to treatment because of geographic, economic, emotional, or social factors No unwillingness to accept blood product transfusions or other supportive measures (e.g., antibiotics)

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: No prior therapy