PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: Not specified Performance status: 0-2 Life expectancy: Not specified Hematopoietic: Absolute neutrophil count at least 1,500/mm3* Platelet count at least 100,000/mm3* *unless attributable to NHL Hepatic: Bilirubin no greater than 2.0 mg/dL (without Gilbert's disease)* *unless attributable to NHL Renal: Creatinine no greater than 1.5 mg/dL* *unless attributable to NHL Cardiovascular: LVEF greater than 45% No ischemic heart disease No myocardial infarction or congestive heart failure in past year Other: Not pregnant or nursing Fertile patients must use effective contraception HIV negative