Figure 3

Funnel plots. This figure shows funnel plots produced using data from different meta-analyses including more than four studies. X axes report risk ratio (RR) in the log scale; Y axes report the standard error of natural logarithm of risk ratio (SE log(RR)). The Egger's line (in orange) shows the degree of asymmetry. Relevant asymmetry, assessable by the degree of deviation of Egger's line indicates a high risk of potential publication bias. Asymmetry was negligible for risk of infection (A) and significant for risk of leucopenia (B) and risk of granulocytopenia (C). Asymmetry was also significant for overall response (D); however, funnel plots produced using data dividing studies according to the type of lymphoma (aggressive/indolent) showed persistently strong heterogeneity for indolent lymphomas (E) but negligible asymmetry for aggressive lymphomas (F).