Everolimus in Treating Patients With Relapsed or Refractory Mantle Cell Lymphoma

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Inclusion criteria: * Histologically or cytologically confirmed relapsed or chemotherapy/immunotherapy-resistant mantle cell lymphoma * No more than 3 lines of prior systemic treatment * At least one measurable lesion ≥ 15 mm in its greatest transverse diameter by CT scan Exclusion criteria: * Presence or history of CNS disease (either CNS lymphoma or lymphomatous meningosis) * Newly diagnosed mantle cell lymphoma * Patients suitable for intensive treatment (e.g., hyperfractionated cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin hydrochloride and dexamethasone with high-dose methotrexate and cytarabine \[HyperCVAD\]) PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Inclusion criteria: * WHO performance status ≤ 2 * Creatinine clearance ≥ 30mL/min * Bilirubin ≤ 2 times upper limit of normal (ULN) * Alkaline phosphatase ≤ 2 times ULN * AST and ALT ≤ 2 times ULN * Neutrophils ≥ 1,500/mm³ (≥ 1,000/mm³ with marrow infiltration) * Thrombocytes ≥ 100,000/mm³ (≥ 75,000/mm³ in case of bone marrow infiltration) * Not pregnant or nursing * Negative pregnancy test * Fertile patients must use effective contraception during and for 12 months after study participation Exclusion criteria: * Prior or concurrent hematological malignancies * Patients with prior solid organ tumors that required no treatment over the last 5 years and are currently free of disease are eligible * Cardiovascular disease including any of the following: * NYHA class III or IV congestive heart failure * Unstable angina pectoris * Significant arrhythmia or arrhythmia requiring chronic treatment * Myocardial infarction in the last 3 months * Serious underlying medical condition which could impair the ability of the patient to participate in the trial including any of the following: * Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus * Gastric ulcers * Active autoimmune disease * Ongoing infection (e.g., HIV or hepatitis) PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Exclusion criteria: * Prior radiation where the indicator lesion(s) are in the irradiated field * Prior organ transplantation * Participation in another clinical trial within 30 days prior to study entry * Concurrent anticancer drugs/treatments or experimental medications * Other concurrent investigational therapy * Other concurrent chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or radiotherapy (including palliative radiotherapy)