SWOG-9704 Chemoradiotherapy and Peripheral Stem Cell Transplantation Compared With Combination Chemotherapy in Treating Patients With Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: * Histologically proven intermediate- or high-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma * Ann Arbor classification of "bulky" stage II, III, or IV * Must be classified as high-intermediate or high-risk according to International Age Adjusted Index * Bidimensionally measurable disease * No lymphoblastic, transformed, or mantle cell lymphomas * No CNS involvement by lymphoma * CD20 status confirmed by immunocytochemistry or flow cytometry * Must have either bilateral or unilateral bone marrow aspiration and biopsy ≥ 42 days before first course of cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (CHOP) therapy (or CHOP plus rituximab \[CHOP-R\] for CD20+ disease) OR within 42 days prior to registration if CHOP/CHOP-R therapy has not begun * Must have bilateral bone marrow aspiration and biopsy within 28 days of randomization * Bone marrow involvement with lymphoma is allowed, provided there is an improvement of at least 50% if used as an evaluable site of disease * No prior lymphoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma, myelodysplastic syndromes, or leukemia NOTE: A new classification scheme for adult non-Hodgkin's lymphoma has been adopted by PDQ. The terminology of "indolent" or "aggressive" lymphoma will replace the former terminology of "low", "intermediate", or "high" grade lymphoma. However, this protocol uses the former terminology. PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: * 15 to 65 Performance status: * Not specified Life expectancy: * Not specified Hematopoietic:…