Janus kinase 2 V617F mutation in an unrelated peripheral blood stem cell donor

Polycythemia vera (PV) is relatively uncommon in early adulthood, and evidence about the prevalence of the Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) V617F mutation in the general population is limited. Here, we report a previously healthy volunteer peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) donor who developed symptomatic PV with the JAK2 V617F mutation 2 years after PBSC mobilization and harvest. The characteristic mutation was identified retrospectively in the blood sample of the donor at the confirmation typing stage, which was before granulocyte colony-stimulating factor injection. This report presents a safety issue for both donor and recipient of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Clinicians should be aware of this during health workup and postdonation follow-up of unrelated PBSC donors. Any abnormal and/or equivocal laboratory data, especially during the donor workup stage, should not be overlooked.