Inclusion Criteria

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS:

- Histologically confirmed non-bulky Hodgkin's lymphoma

- Clinical stage IA, IB, IIA, or IIB

- "E" extensions allowed if all other criteria are met

- Measurable disease

- At least 1 unidimensionally measurable lesion > 2 cm by CT scan or MRI OR ≥ 1.5
cm by spiral CT scan

- The following are considered non-measurable:

- Bone lesions

- Leptomeningeal disease

- Ascites

- Pleural or pericardial effusion

- Inflammatory breast disease

- Lymphangitis cutis or pulmonis

- Abdominal masses not confirmed and followed by imaging techniques

- Cystic lesions

- Lesions in a previously irradiated area

- Bone marrow biopsy required

- No mediastinal mass that is > one-third of the maximum intrathoracic diameter on a
standing posterior-anterior chest x-ray

- No peripheral or retroperitoneal adenopathy > 10 cm in its largest diameter

- No nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin's lymphoma

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS:

Age

- 16 and over

Performance status

- CTC 0-2

Life expectancy

- Not specified

Hematopoietic

- Absolute neutrophil count ≥ 1,000/mm^3

- Platelet count ≥ 100,000/mm^3

Hepatic

- Bilirubin ≤ 2 mg/dL

- AST ≤ 2 times upper limit of normal

Renal

- Creatinine ≤ 2 mg/dL

Cardiovascular

- LVEF normal by echocardiogram or MUGA

Pulmonary

- DLCO ≥ 60% with no symptomatic pulmonary disease

Other

- HIV negative

- Not pregnant or nursing

- Fertile patients must use effective contraception

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY:

Biologic therapy

- No concurrent pegfilgrastim

Chemotherapy

- No prior chemotherapy for Hodgkin's lymphoma

- No other concurrent chemotherapy

Endocrine therapy

- No concurrent hormone therapy except steroids for adrenal failure or hormones for
non-disease-related conditions (e.g., insulin for diabetes)

Radiotherapy

- See Disease Characteristics

- No prior radiotherapy for Hodgkin's lymphoma

Surgery

- Not specified

Other

- No other prior treatment for Hodgkin's lymphoma