Comparison of Two Combination Chemotherapy Regimens in Treating Patients With Previously Untreated Aggressive Stage II, Stage III, or Stage IV Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed stage II, III, or IV non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (including immunoblastic features) OR Anaplastic large cell lymphoma No mantle cell lymphomas including equivocal B-cell lymphomas that are CD5+ and CD23-, have t(11;14), or express markers of mantle cell lymphoma or other subtypes No low-grade lymphoma (e.g., follicular center cells in bone marrow) Patients who have 3-5 International Prognostic Index risk factors must have refused participation in SWOG-S9704/CALGB-59903 trial No known lymphomatous CNS involvement, including parenchymal or leptomeningeal involvement 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 PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: Not specified Chemotherapy: No prior cytotoxic chemotherapy No other concurrent chemotherapy Endocrine therapy: Prior glucocorticoids allowed (less than 10 day course) for urgent local disease at diagnosis (e.g., cord compression, superior vena cava syndrome) No concurrent dexamethasone (except as indicated by protocol) or other steroidal antiemetics No concurrent hormonal therapy except for non-disease related conditions Radiotherapy: Prior limited field radiotherapy allowed Surgery: Not specified