OBJECTIVES: I. Determine the efficacy of doxorubicin, bleomycin, vincristine, etoposide, prednisone and cyclophosphamide (DBVE-PC) with filgrastim (G-CSF) followed by consolidative radiotherapy in children with advanced stage Hodgkin's disease. II. Tailor therapy based on rapidity of response in order to minimize cumulative drug dosages. III. Compare the efficacy of dexrazoxane in reducing pulmonary and cardiac toxicity of DBVE-based therapy without compromising response.