Post-transplant ring sideroblasts are common in haploidentical peripheral blood stem cell transplantation but not linked to <i>SF3B1</i> mutations

OBJECTIVES: mutations and event-free survival (EFS). METHODS: mutation status was assessed via NGS. EFS was calculated using Kaplan-Meier analysis; multivariate Cox regression evaluated the predictors of EFS. RESULTS: mutations were detected. In multivariate analysis, only haploidentical transplant type (HR 10.2, p=0.016) and age (HR 1.11 per year, p=0.033), but not ring sideroblastosis or erythroid dysplasia, were independent predictors of EFS. CONCLUSIONS: mutations and without independent prognostic significance, they likely represent reactive marrow changes rather than clonal disease. Transplant modality and patient age remain key determinants of post-transplant outcome.