DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS:

• Histologically confirmed stage II, III, or IV diffuse large cell lymphoma and WHO variants

  • CD20+ large B-cell lymphoma, including those with immunoblastic features
  • CD20+ thymic B-cell lymphoma
  • No evidence of indolent lymphoma
  • No mantle cell lymphomas or equivocal B-cell lymphomas that express markers of mantle cell lymphoma (e.g., cyclin D) or other subtypes
• No known lymphomatous involvement of the CNS, including the parenchyma or leptomeninges

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS:

Age:

• Not specified

Performance status:

• CALGB 0-2

Life expectancy:

• Not specified

Hematopoietic:

• Absolute neutrophil count at least 1,000/mm3*
• Platelet count at least 100,000/mm3* NOTE: * Unless due to lymphoma

Hepatic:

• Bilirubin no greater than 2.0 mg/dL* NOTE: * Unless due to lymphoma or Gilbert's disease

Renal:

• Creatinine no greater than 1.5 mg/dL* NOTE: * Unless due to lymphoma

Cardiovascular:

• LVEF greater than 45%
• No ischemic heart disease
• No myocardial infarction or congestive heart failure within the past year

Other:

• HIV negative
• Not pregnant or nursing
• Fertile patients must use effective contraception

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY:

Biologic therapy:

• Not specified

Chemotherapy:

• No prior cytotoxic chemotherapy
• No other concurrent chemotherapy

Endocrine therapy:

• Prior short-course of glucocorticoids allowed
• No concurrent hormones except for non-disease-related conditions (e.g., insulin for diabetes)
• No concurrent steroids except for adrenal failure
• No concurrent dexamethasone or other steroidal antiemetics

Radiotherapy:

• Prior limited-field radiotherapy allowed

Surgery:

• Not specified