Franciscan Health Indianapolis Completes Successful Deceased Donor Bone Marrow Stem Cell Transplant

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana - Montrail Moore was about out of options. 

The 48-year-old was suffering from leukemia and needed a stem cell transplant. 

None of his family members were full matches to be a donor and the living donor registry did not produce any matches, either. 

Enter the option of a transplant using bone marrow stem cells from a deceased donor, which provided Moore with a new lease on life. The stem cells he received were recovered from the spine of a deceased donor.

The transplant was completed earlier this year at Franciscan Health Cancer Center Indiana Blood & Marrow Transplantation (IBMT).

Dr. Felix Mensah, an independent hematologist, medical oncologist and cellular therapy specialist, who chooses to practice at Franciscan Health, oversaw Moore’s transplant. Dr. Mensah has been instrumental in bringing the use of deceased donor stem cells to Franciscan.

“Here at Franciscan, because of new technologies we have been pursuing, Montrail had an option and was able to have a transplant,” said Dr. Mensah. “We continue to stay on the cutting-edge and there is no limit to that. We will continue to grow and continue to try anything that is new. We have a very robust research program and our goal is to continue moving the needle and to make more therapies available for our patients.”

Patients who have diseased bone marrow due to an aggressive leukemia like Moore must have their entire bone marrow and blood forming system replaced with healthy cells. 

Ossium Health, with a facility in Indianapolis, provided the stem cells from the spine of the deceased donor. 

“Technology is changing and every single day people are working in laboratories, as well as sourcing grants to continue research,” said Dr. Mensah. “Ossium Health is creating the first deceased donor bone marrow stem cell bank that is available anytime, on demand.”

“What’s been especially valuable for us is how agile and collaborative Franciscan has been,” said Erik Woods, co-founder, EVP and chief science officer at Ossium Health. “Dr. Mensah is incredibly forward thinking, a strong clinical scientist, and brings thoughtful ideas to the table. His deep understanding of the science has been instrumental to our progress.”

The Ossium team recently hosted an open house at its Indianapolis facility, welcoming Indiana Governor Mike Braun for a tour of the site.

In addition, Woods and his team were able to give Moore a personal tour to meet the team that was behind the bone marrow he received in his transplant. Being able to meet Moore and shake his hand made a lasting impression on Woods.

“That gave me goosebumps,” said Woods. “Our people work extremely hard, but aren’t in the hospital, so they don’t get to see the patients. Having that connection was very important. It changes your perspective and you know why you are doing this. That was very meaningful and I am very glad Montrail was able to attend.”

Following the transplant, Moore is getting back to living his normal, everyday life. He is excited to continue to watch his grandchildren grow up.

“I feel back to a hundred percent,” said Moore. “I take it one day at a time. Dr. Mensah and his team are wonderful people. It’s like a dream come true. They gave me a new birthday. I am very thankful for all that they did for me.”

Click here to see a video on the deceased organ donor bone marrow transplant process.

Learn more about the Indiana Blood & Marrow Transplantation program at Franciscan Health Cancer Center Indianapolis and the Expanded Access Program at Ossium Health.