DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically proven intermediate or high grade B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (other than Burkitt's, non-Burkitt's, undifferentiated, or lymphoblastic lymphoma) B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma positive for CD19 and/or CD20 by slide-based immunohistochemistry or flow cytometry No mantle cell or follicular lymphoma Measurable disease, defined by at least one of the following: Physical examination Radiographic findings of at least 2 dimensions Bidimensional measurable defect or mass measuring at least 2 cm in diameter on radionuclide or CT scan Enlarged spleen extending at least 2 cm below the costal margin provided that there is no other likely explanation besides lymphomatous involvement Enlarged liver extending at least 5 cm below the costal margin along with biopsy-proven lymphomatous hepatic involvement No history of transformed lymphoma No known posttransplantation lymphoproliferative disorder No CNS involvement CALGB patients 60-65 years of age must not be eligible for any other study of higher priority A new classification scheme for adult non-Hodgkin's lymphoma has been adopted by PDQ. The terminology of "indolent" or "aggressive" lymphoma will replace the former terminology of "low", "intermediate", or "high" grade lymphoma. However, this protocol uses the former terminology.