Dr Rachna Shroff, a prominent Indian-American oncologist and cancer researcher at the University of Arizona, has died at the age of 47 after battling advanced adenocarcinoma. She was internationally recognised for her contributions to pancreatic and biliary tract cancer research.
Dr Shroff was a leading gastrointestinal oncologist whose career focused on developing new treatment approaches for patients with complex and aggressive cancers. Her death has drawn tributes from the medical and research community, recognising her contributions to oncology and clinical research.
Leadership at the University of Arizona
At the University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, Dr Shroff served as chief of the Division of Hematology and Oncology, associate director of clinical investigations at the University of Arizona Cancer Center, and professor of medicine.
She also held the position of associate dean for clinical and translational research and was appointed the inaugural John F. and Valli S. Duval Endowed Professor for Gastrointestinal Oncology.
Her research primarily focused on pancreatic and biliary tract cancers, two challenging areas of gastrointestinal oncology.
Contributions to Cancer Research
Throughout her career, Dr Shroff authored more than 80 scientific publications and led several clinical trials investigating new therapeutic options for patients with difficult-to-treat cancers.
Her work contributed to efforts to improve treatment strategies and expand clinical research opportunities for patients with pancreatic and bile duct cancers.
She was widely recognised for combining clinical practice with research aimed at improving patient outcomes.
Academic and Professional Journey
Dr Shroff completed her undergraduate education at Brown University and earned her medical degree from Thomas Jefferson University.
She subsequently completed her oncology fellowship at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in 2010.
Between 2010 and 2018, she served as an associate professor of gastrointestinal medical oncology at MD Anderson before joining the University of Arizona in 2018.
Diagnosis and Battle With Cancer
According to media reports, Dr Shroff’s illness was identified earlier in 2026 after she noticed a swollen lymph node.
The condition was initially suspected to be lymphoma. However, further investigations reportedly confirmed advanced adenocarcinoma, a cancer that develops from glandular cells and can affect several organs.
Her diagnosis brought a personal dimension to the field of oncology in which she had spent much of her professional life.
Medical Community Remembers Her Contributions
Colleagues and oncology organisations, including the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), have remembered Dr Shroff for her commitment to cancer research, patient care and medical education.
She is survived by her husband, Dr Puneet Shroff, a professor of medicine, and their two children, Simran and Sachin.
Her contributions to gastrointestinal oncology, clinical trials and the development of new cancer treatments remain an important part of her professional legacy.
