A University of Arizona cancer specialist who dedicated nearly her entire life to understanding and treating the disease has died after developing cancer herself.
Dr. Rachna Shroff was 47. The university announced Monday that she had died from “an aggressive cancer” after earning international recognition as a trailblazer in cancer research.
Shroff served as associate director of clinical investigations at the University of Arizona Cancer Center and led the Division of Hematology/Oncology within the Department of Medicine at the College of Medicine – Tucson.
Described as an internationally respected specialist and a leading figure in stomach cancer research, Shroff’s commitment to science began during high school. In 1993, she received the prestigious Osler Fellowship.
According to Today, Shroff learned earlier this year that she had cancer.
After doctors determined that the disease had spread, she was diagnosed with terminal adenocarcinoma, a cancer that develops in the glands lining organs.
The University of Arizona said Shroff became internationally known for her work on bile duct cancer, also called cholangiocarcinoma. She turned her attention to the rare, notoriously difficult-to-treat disease at a time when patients had few options and no therapies approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
“Today, the field has changed dramatically, due in part to the landmark clinical trials Dr. Shroff led as a principal investigator,” the university said.
Even after facing a life-limiting diagnosis, Shroff created the Conquer Cancer – Rachna Shroff Endowed Young Investigator Award in Biliary Cancers in September.
Dr. Rachna Shroff, 47, died from “an aggressive cancer” after gaining international recognition as a pioneer in cancer research, the University of Arizona announced Monday.
Shroff was associate director of clinical investigations at the University of Arizona Cancer Center and chief of the Division of Hematology/Oncology at the College of Medicine – Tucson. She was widely respected for her expertise and pioneering work in stomach cancer research.
After learning that her cancer had metastasized, Shroff was diagnosed with terminal adenocarcinoma, a disease affecting the glands that line the body’s organs.
Within weeks, she raised more than $1.35 million to fund the next generation of cancer innovation, the university said.
Shroff joined the University of Arizona in 2018 and spent the following years advancing immunotherapy and experimental drug treatments. Colleagues said she remained deeply attentive to the personal, human realities of medicine throughout her career.
Her research also helped shape new treatments for pancreatic and hepatobiliary cancers. She authored more than 80 scientific papers and delivered over 130 presentations.
In a 2024 interview with GIOncology Now, Shroff said doctors had a responsibility to make clinical trials accessible to every patient whenever possible. “To be able to offer them something cutting-edge, different and innovative,” she said, was central to that mission.
The daughter of a nephrologist mother and a biochemist father, Shroff wanted to combine scientific discovery with what the university described as her natural compassion.
Yet beyond her many professional achievements, the university said her most meaningful roles were as a wife, mother and friend.
She is survived by her husband, Dr. Puneet Shroff, and their children, Simran and Sachin.
A fellow of the American Society of Clinical Oncology remembered Shroff as one of the foremost authorities on pancreatic and biliary tract cancers, while also praising her dedication as a mentor and advocate.
Shroff was recognized as renowned for her work developing novel therapies for pancreatic and hepatobiliary cancers, as well as having penned more than 80 publications and gave over 130 talks
Shroff leaves behind her husband, Dr Puneet Shroff, and her children, Simran and Sachin
According to a fellow at the American Society of Clinical Oncology, Shroff was described as ‘one of the foremost experts on pancreatic and biliary tract cancers’ as well as a devoted mentor and activist
In a post on Facebook, the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation wrote that, beyond her professional accomplishments, Shroff ‘brought fun everywhere she went.’
‘Whether she was quoting Beyoncé in a talk about clinical trials or getting us to throw our hands during her amazing Bollywood lesson, Rachna made us live in the moment and laugh, even in the hardest of times. Our hearts are with her family and friends in the days ahead and beyond,’ the foundation wrote.
‘She has made tangible differences for patients and their families throughout her career. From being a valued member of our Science and Medical Advisory Board to helping build one of the nation’s largest clinical and research programs in biliary tract cancer as a faculty member at MD Anderson Cancer Center, and as an empathetic and expert clinician, she made a difference in every facet.’
Lisa Salem Craine, a colleague of Shroff’s, wrote that the cholangiocarcinoma community lost ‘a legend, a friend, and a truly extraordinary human being.’
‘Dr Rachna Shroff was brilliant, kind, compassionate, and a shining light to everyone fortunate enough to know her. I will never forget watching her teach 600 patients, caregivers, researchers, physicians, and industry leaders how to Bollywood dance! That was Rachna – bringing people together, spreading joy, and lighting up every room she entered,’ she wrote.
‘Her contributions to bile duct cancer research and the lives she touched will never be forgotten. Rest peacefully, my friend. Your light will continue to shine.’
