EPOCH Chemotherapy +/- IL-12 for Previously Untreated and EPOCH Plus Rituximab for Previously Treated Patients With AIDS-Associated Lymphoma

INCLUSION CRITERIA:

Aggressive CD20 + NHL confirmed by Pathology, DCS.

HIV + serology.

All stages (I-IV) of disease.

NHL previously treated with up to two chemotherapy regimens and evaluable disease.

Age greater than or equal to 18 years.

Laboratory test: (Abnormalities are allowed if due to organ involvement by lymphoma).

Creatinine less than or equal to 1.7.

Bilirubin must be less than 2.0 mg/dl, or total bilirubin less than or equal to 3.7 mg/dl with direct fraction less than or equal to 0.2 mg/dl and indirect fraction of less than or equal 3.5 mg/dl in patients for whom these abnormalities are felt to be due to protease inhibitor therapy.

AST and ALT less than or equal to 3 times ULN (AST and ALT less than or equal to 6 times ULN for patients on hyperalimentation for whom these abnormalities are felt to be due to the hyperalimentation).

ANC greater than or equal 1000/mm(3).

Platelets must be greater than or equal to 75,000/mm(3) (patients with ITP platelets greater than or equal to 30,000/mm(3).

Signed informed consent and Durable Power of Attorney.

EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

Pregnancy or nursing.

History of clinical heart failure or symptomatic ischemic heart disease.

Serious underlying medical condition or infection other than HIV that would contraindicate EPOCH.

Concurrent anti-retroviral therapy during EPOCH therapy.

Primary CNS lymphoma.