OBJECTIVES: I. Evaluate the response rate and duration of response to etoposide, mitoxantrone, and prednimustine in patients with relapsed HIV-associated non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). II. Evaluate the response rate and duration of response to cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and etoposide in patients with refractory HIV-associated NHL. III. Assess the toxic effects of these regimens in these patients.