OBJECTIVES: I. Determine the progression-free and overall survival at 5 and 10 years after a short-term Stanford V regimen comprising mechlorethamine, doxorubicin, vinblastine, prednisone, vincristine, bleomycin, and etoposide followed by modified involved-field radiotherapy in patients with favorable, early-stage Hodgkin's disease. II. Determine whether the early and late toxic effects of treatment can be minimized by avoiding staging laparotomy, limiting cumulative doses of chemotherapeutic drugs, and reducing the dose and volume of radiotherapy in these patients. III. Determine the freedom from second disease progression at 5 and 10 years after treatment and treatment-related toxicity in these patients. IV. Determine the quality of life of patients treated with this regimen.