Renowned cancer researcher, 47, tragically dies of disease she was working to cure

A University of Arizona researcher tragically died after devoting almost her whole life to helping cure and study cancer before ultimately succumbing to the same disease. 

Dr Rachna Shroff, 47, died from 'an aggressive cancer' after becoming 'internationally recognized' for being a pioneer in cancer research, the university announced on Monday. 

Shroff was the associate director of clinical investigations at the university's Cancer Center and chief of the Division of Hematology/Oncology in the Department of Medicine at the College of Medicine - Tucson. 

She was an 'internationally respected expert' and leading pioneer in stomach cancer research. Her interest in research began in high school, when she won the 1993 Osler Fellowship.

Shroff was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year, according to Today. 

After she was told it had spread, the disease was confirmed as terminal adenocarcinoma which affects the glands that line a person’s organs.  

Shroff was 'internationally recognized for her work in bile duct cancer, or cholangiocarcinoma, turning her focus to the rare and historically difficult-to-treat disease when few treatment options existed and no Food and Drug Administration-approved therapies were available,' the university said. 

'Today, the field has changed dramatically, due in part to the landmark clinical trials Dr. Shroff led as a principal investigator.'

In September, 'in the face of her own life-limiting cancer,' Shroff established the Conquer Cancer - Rachna Shroff Endowed Young Investigator Award in Biliary Cancers. 

Dr Rachna Shroff, 47, died from 'an aggressive cancer' after becoming 'internationally recognized' for being a pioneer in cancer research, the University of Arizona said on Monday

Shroff, the associate director of clinical investigations at the university's Cancer Center and chief of the Division of Hematology/Oncology in the Department of Medicine at the College of Medicine- Tucson, was an 'internationally respected expert' and leading pioneer in stomach cancer research

After she was told her cancer had spread, the cancer was confirmed as terminal adenocarcinoma which affects the glands that line a person’s organs

'Within weeks, she accomplished her goal of raising more than $1.35 million to support the future of cancer innovation,' the university's announcement continued.

After joining the University of Arizona in 2018, Shroff spent her time dedicating her career to advancing immunological therapies and novel drug treatments 'while never losing sight of the human side of medicine,' according to the department.  

Shroff was also 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. 

In 2024, she told GIOncology Now: 'It is our role and responsibility to have clinical trials available to the patients that come to see us and to ideally have a trial available to every single patient that walks through the door. To be able to offer them something cutting-edge, different and innovative.'

Shroff, the daughter of a nephrologist mother and a biochemist father, 'knew that she wanted to meld scientific discovery with her innate sense of compassion,' the university said. 

'Beyond her incredible professional accomplishments, Dr. Shroff’s most cherished roles were those of wife, mother and friend,' the announcement continued.

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. 

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.'