DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed, advanced stages IIB/III/IV cutaneous T-cell lymphoma Measurable or evaluable disease required Measurable disease includes: Skin disease evaluated by clinical assessment grid method Lesion measurable on imaging (i.e., CT measurement of lymph nodes) Pure osteolytic lesion Unidimensional lesion for which a normal measurement is available (e.g., mediastinal width on x-ray) Evaluable disease defined as malignant disease evident on physical or radiographic exam but not measurable by ruler or caliper, i.e.: Pelvic masses Confluent multinodular lung metastases Skin metastases CNS metastases eligible if stable for at least 4 weeks following completion of surgery or radiotherapy