Alemtuzumab in Treating Patients With Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia

Inclusion criteria

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: * Diagnosis of Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia (lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma) * Immunoglobulin (Ig) M, IgG, and IgA paraprotein * Measurable monoclonal paraprotein * Failed at least 1 prior first-line therapy (alkylator agent, nucleoside analogue, or rituximab) * CD52-positive tumor determined by either bone marrow immunohistochemistry or flow cytometry PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age * Over 18 Performance status * ECOG 0-2 Life expectancy * At least 6 months Hematopoietic * Absolute neutrophil count ≥ 500/mm\^3 * Platelet count ≥ 25,000/mm\^3 Hepatic * SGOT ≤ 2.5 times upper limit of normal (ULN) * Bilirubin ≤ 2.5 times ULN Renal * Creatinine ≤ 2.5 mg/dL (\> 2.5 mg/dL allowed if due to disease) Other * Not pregnant or nursing * Negative pregnancy test * Fertile patients must use effective double-method contraception during and for 6 months after study participation * No serious comorbid disease * No uncontrolled bacterial, fungal, or viral infection * No other active malignancy PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy * See Disease Characteristics * No prior alemtuzumab * More than 3 months since other prior monoclonal antibody therapy Chemotherapy * See Disease Characteristics * More than 21 days since prior chemotherapy Endocrine therapy * More than 21 days since prior steroid therapy Radiotherapy * More than 21 days since prior radiotherapy Surgery * Not specified