Inclusion Criteria

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed stage I, IE, or non-bulky II or IIE
non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of one of the following subtypes: Diffuse large B-cell Mantle cell
High grade B-cell, Burkitt's or Burkitt like Anaplastic large cell (B-cell phenotype only)
Lymphoma must express CD20 All disease must be encompassable in a single radiation port
(including any resected disease) Must have at least 1 of the following adverse prognostic
features: Non-bulky stage II or non-bulky stage IIE disease Over 60 years of age Zubrod
performance status of 2 Elevated serum LDH 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: Over 18 Performance status: Zubrod 0-2 Life expectancy: Not
specified Hematopoietic: Not specified Hepatic: Not specified Renal: Not specified Other:
No medical contraindications to CHOP chemotherapy or rituximab No prior malignancy within
past 5 years except adequately treated basal cell or squamous cell skin cancer or
carcinoma in situ of the cervix No AIDS or HIV Not pregnant or nursing Fertile patients
must use effective contraception

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: No prior monoclonal antibody therapy
Chemotherapy: No prior chemotherapy for lymphoma Endocrine therapy: Not specified
Radiotherapy: No prior radiotherapy for lymphoma Surgery: Not specified