Dr. Rachna Shroff dedicated nearly her entire professional life to understanding cancer and helping develop better treatments—only to lose her own life to the disease she spent decades fighting.
Shroff, 47, died after battling “an aggressive cancer,” the University of Arizona announced Monday. Over the course of her career, she earned international recognition as a trailblazer in cancer research.
At the University of Arizona Cancer Center, Shroff served as associate director of clinical investigations. She was also chief of the Division of Hematology/Oncology within the Department of Medicine at the College of Medicine – Tucson.
The university remembered her as an internationally respected specialist and a pioneering voice in stomach cancer research. Her passion for scientific discovery began while she was still in high school, when she received the 1993 Osler Fellowship.
According to Today, Shroff received her cancer diagnosis earlier this year.
Doctors later confirmed that the cancer had spread and was terminal adenocarcinoma, a disease affecting the gland-forming cells that line organs throughout the body.
Shroff became internationally known for her work on bile duct cancer, also called cholangiocarcinoma. She entered the field when the rare and notoriously difficult-to-treat disease had few options and no therapies approved by the Food and Drug Administration, the university said.
“The field has changed dramatically,” the university said, pointing in part to the landmark clinical trials Shroff led as a principal investigator.
Even after facing a life-limiting diagnosis, Shroff continued working to help future patients. In September, she created the Conquer Cancer – Rachna Shroff Endowed Young Investigator Award in Biliary Cancers.
Dr. Rachna Shroff, 47, died after an aggressive cancer claimed her life, following an internationally recognized career as a pioneer in cancer research, the University of Arizona said 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 work in stomach cancer research.
After learning that her cancer had metastasized, Shroff was diagnosed with terminal adenocarcinoma, which develops in the glands lining the body’s organs.
Within just weeks, she surpassed her goal of raising $1.35 million to fund the next generation of cancer research and innovation, according to the university’s announcement.
Shroff joined the University of Arizona in 2018 and spent the years that followed advancing immunotherapy and experimental drug treatments. Colleagues said she remained deeply committed to the human side of medicine throughout her work.
Her research also helped shape new treatments for pancreatic and hepatobiliary cancers. She authored more than 80 scientific papers and delivered over 130 presentations during her career.
In a 2024 interview with GIOncology Now, Shroff spoke about the importance of expanding access to clinical trials. “It is our role and responsibility to have clinical trials available to the patients that come to see us,” she said, adding that every patient should ideally be offered “something cutting-edge, different and innovative.”
The daughter of a nephrologist mother and a biochemist father, Shroff understood early on that she wanted to combine scientific discovery with compassion for patients, the university said.
Alongside her professional achievements, the university said her most treasured identities were those of 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 leading experts in pancreatic and biliary tract cancers, as well as a dedicated mentor and advocate for patients.
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.’