Dr. Rachna Shroff, a prominent Indian-American gastrointestinal oncologist and researcher at the University of Arizona Cancer Center, died at age 47 following a battle with aggressive cancer. Renowned for her pioneering work in bile duct cancer, she spent her final weeks establishing an endowed investigator award that surpassed $1.35 million in funding.
The oncology community is mourning the loss of a clinician-scientist whose career bridged complex laboratory research and compassionate patient care. Holding the inaugural John F. and Valli S. Duval Endowed Professorship for Gastrointestinal Oncology, Dr. Shroff acted as chief of the Division of Hematology/Oncology at the College of Medicine – Tucson and associate director of clinical investigations at the University of Arizona Cancer Center.
Beyond devastating. Rachna was a friend to all oncologists, well known in @ASCO circles. We will all miss her. Her legacy lives on in the YIA endowed in her name.@DrChoueiri @montypal @ERPlimackMD @aparna1024 @ErikaHamilton9 https://t.co/2Tiz2E6teK
Early Roots in Tucson and Path to National Leadership
Growing up in Tucson as the daughter of a biochemist father, Devendar Trivedi, and a nephrologist mother, Dr. Amita Trivedi, young Rachna developed an early interest in the medical sciences. That trajectory took root locally in 1993 when she was awarded the Osler Fellowship, granting her the opportunity to work inside a research laboratory at the University of Arizona Cancer Center.
She went on to earn her undergraduate degree in biochemistry from Brown University and her medical degree from Thomas Jefferson University. Following a fellowship at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center completed in 2010, she served on the faculty there until 2018 before returning to her hometown in a professional homecoming to join the University of Arizona.
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Rachna Shroff at the age of 47 due to cancer.Her contributions to oncology, especialy gasteointestinal cancers, will always live on. https://t.co/UX5prwDQSf
Nationally, she held prominent leadership roles within her field, including co-chairing the Hepatobiliary Subcommittee for the Southwest Oncology Group (SWOG) and chairing the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s GI ASCO 2024 meeting.
Transforming Treatment for Rare Gastrointestinal Malignancies
Dr. Shroff built an international reputation by focusing her research on cholangiocarcinoma, a rare and historically difficult-to-treat cancer of the bile ducts. When she began her specialty focus, few treatment options and no Food and Drug Administration-approved therapies existed for the disease. Through landmark clinical trials where she served as a principal investigator, she helped dramatically change how the disease is treated.
“It’s been a journey” Shroff told @NBCNews. “I’ve spent my entire life trying to eradicate cancer, primarily pancreatic cancer, but also liver cancers.”https://t.co/qGmDCVg30KAn homage to Rachna Shroff, including thoughts from her family. Please read, share & honor her memory.
Her work extended to novel therapies for pancreatic and hepatobiliary cancers. Colleagues noted her dedication to expanding trial access across Southern Arizona so that patients could receive cutting-edge interventions. Dr. Dan Theodorescu, endowed chair for the director of the cancer center and her supervisor, praised her effectiveness in building clinical trial operations and recruiting bright young investigators.
Dr. Shroff Establishes Endowed Award After Cancer Diagnosis
Earlier in the year, after developing a swollen lymph node in May, Dr. Shroff was diagnosed with terminal adenocarcinoma of unknown origin that testing indicated had likely originated in her stomach or intestine. Despite facing a life-limiting condition, she continued advocating for research and attended a major cancer conference just days after her diagnosis.
In September, she directed her energy toward supporting future investigators by establishing an endowed award. The initiative rapidly surpassed its financial target.
Within a matter of weeks, the campaign successfully secured over $1.35 million to benefit upcoming scholars studying biliary cancers.
There are individuals who advance medicine through their discoveries, and there are those who transform it through their humanity. Dr. Rachna Shroff did both.Although I did not have the privilege of knowing Dr. Shroff personally, I was fortunate to cross paths with her on…
More than six hundred donors contributed to establish the Conquer Cancer – Rachna Shroff, MD, MS, FASCO Endowed Young Investigator Award in Biliary Cancers, ensuring that financial support will continue for early-career researchers studying the disease she dedicated her life to fighting.
Legacy Within the Oncology Community
Tributes poured in from across the medical profession following the announcement of her death. Professional societies and colleagues highlighted her heavy involvement as an ASCO volunteer, mentor, and advocate for compassionate patient care.
The cholangiocarcinoma community has lost a tireless advocate and dedicated physician:https://t.co/UupuIFNuNf
Beyond devastating. Rachna was a friend to all oncologists, well known in @ASCO circles. We will all miss her. Her legacy lives on in the YIA endowed in her name.
Tian Zhang, MD, MHS, FASCO, via Oncodaily
She is survived by her husband, Dr. Puneet Shroff, professor of medicine and associate director of Banner Medical Group’s Allergy Clinic; their children, Simran and Sachin; her parents, Devendar and Dr. Amita Trivedi; and her sister, Neema Sahni. The university noted that free mental health services remain available for students, staff, and faculty affected by the loss.
More on Rachna Shroff
Rachna Shroff, Indian-American oncologist, dies at 47She had been living with a life-limiting cancer, though the university did not disclose the specific cause of her death@mohitk1 reportshttps://t.co/4iGdeJ5hgU
We join the oncology community in mourning the passing of Dr. Rachna T. Shroff, a renowned GI cancers expert and a dedicated ASCO volunteer. We are humbled by her dedication and strive to honor her legacy of commitment and altruism.Read more: https://t.co/yNlVhoASQi pic.twitter.com/BtFetm1Fsv