A Randomized Pre-Phase II Trial of Interleukin-2, Interleukin-12, or No Additional Therapy Following Response to Ifosfamide/Etoposide Chemotherapy for Refractory HIV-Associated Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

Study start date: January 1, 1999

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: HIV-infected patients with histologically or cytologically proven intermediate grade large cell lymphoma; high grade large cell immunoblastic lymphoma; or high grade small noncleaved cell lymphoma who have either failed to respond to or relapsed following first line combination chemotherapy Bidimensionally measurable disease No CNS lymphoma (parenchymal brain or spinal cord tumor) No meningeal lymphoma 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: 18 to 70 Performance status: Karnofsky 60-100% Absolute neutrophil count at least 1,000/mm3 Platelet count greater than 75,000/mm3 Hematologic criteria not applicable if abnormal functions are attributable to lymphomatous infiltration of bone marrow or liver Bilirubin less than 2.0 mg/dL, except in patients receiving indinavir who have isolated hyperbilirubinemia Transaminases less than 5 times upper limit of normal Hepatic criteria not applicable if abnormal functions are attributable to lymphomatous infiltration of bone marrow or liver Creatinine clearance greater than 60 mL/min No other prior or concurrent malignancy except carcinoma in situ of the cervix or nonmetastatic nonmelanomatous skin cancer No acute active opportunistic infection requiring antibiotic treatment Patients with Mycobacterium avium complex allowed Not pregnant Negative pregnancy test Fertile patients must use effective contraception PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: At least 2 weeks since prior immunomodulating agents Concurrent filgrastim (G-CSF) allowed Concurrent epoetin alfa allowed Concurrent antibiotics may be given if clinically indicated during study No more than 2 prior standard treatment regimens for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma No concurrent systemic corticosteroids Concurrent topical and/or oral antifungal agents permitted