PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 19 and over Performance status: WHO 0-2 Life expectancy: At least 6 months Hematopoietic: Absolute neutrophil count at least 1,000/mm3* Platelet count more than 50,000/mm3* Hemoglobin more than 9.0 g/dL* *Unless due to lymphomatous involvement of the marrow Hepatic: Not specified Renal: Not specified Other: No serious disease or condition that would preclude study Not pregnant or nursing Negative pregnancy test Fertile patients must use effective contraception