no patient accrual

RATIONALE: Monoclonal antibodies can locate tumor cells and either kill them or deliver tumor-killing substances to them without harming normal cells. Combining the monoclonal antibody rituximab with dexamethasone may kill more cancer cells.

PURPOSE: Phase II trial to study the effectiveness of rituximab and dexamethasone in treating patients with recurrent or refractory indolent non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

OBJECTIVES: I. Determine the toxic effects of rituximab and dexamethasone in patients with recurrent or refractory indolent non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. II. Determine the objective tumor response rate and duration of response at 2 months after initiation of therapy, and the percentage of patients with progressive disease. III. Determine the maximum response, duration of response, and progression free interval for patients who have not progressed after 4 weeks of therapy. IV. Determine the failure-free and overall survival of these patients on this regimen. V. Compare the response rate and survival rates to results for similar patients (historical and concurrent) who have received 4 weeks of rituximab without dexamethasone, and patients who did not receive maintenance rituximab.

OUTLINE: Patients receive dexamethasone IV followed by rituximab IV on days 1, 8, 15, and 22 for one course. Two months after initiating treatment, patients are evaluated for disease progression. Patients with stable or responding disease may receive monthly dexamethasone and rituximab therapy for up to 10 additional months. Patients are followed every 3 months for 2 years, then every 6 months for years 3-4, and then yearly for up to 5 years.

PROJECTED ACCRUAL: A total of 20-40 patients will be accrued for this study.

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically proven stage III or IV, recurrent or refractory, indolent B cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the following types: Working Group Formulation A (small cell lymphocytic) Working Group Formulation B, C, and D (follicular) Must have relapsed after prior chemotherapy At least 1 lymph node or visceral lesion at least 2 cm in diameter

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: ECOG 0-2 Life expectancy: Not specified Hematopoietic: Lymphocyte count less than 5,000/mm3 Hepatic: Not specified Renal: Not specified Other: Not pregnant or nursing Fertile patients must use effective contraception No active infection HIV negative No hepatitis B or C No concurrent life threatening condition

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: No prior monoclonal antibody therapy for lymphoma (e.g., rituximab) Chemotherapy: See Disease Characteristics Endocrine therapy: No other concurrent corticosteroids and/or epinephrine (unless anaphylactic shock) Radiotherapy: Not specified Surgery: Not specified