Oncologist Rachna Shroff Died at Age 47
The University of Arizona medical leader died in October 2026 after a distinguished career in cancer research.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Cancer
Rachna Shroff, a prominent oncologist at the University of Arizona Cancer Center, died in October 2026 at the age of 47. She was a recognized leader in the field of gastrointestinal oncology who authored over 80 scientific publications.
Why it matters
Her passing marks the loss of a major influence in biliary cancer research and medical education. Shroff played a critical role in mentoring future experts through the endowed award she founded to support young investigators.
Shroff secured more than $1.35 million for the Conquer Cancer-Rachna Shroff FASCO Endowed Young Investigator Award. Her academic career included completing a fellowship at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in 2010.
The players
Rachna Shroff
She was an oncologist and chief of the Division of Hematology/Oncology at the University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson who focused on gastrointestinal cancer research.
University of Arizona Cancer Center
This is a comprehensive cancer research and treatment facility where Shroff served as a faculty member.
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
This is a globally recognized cancer research and treatment institution where Shroff completed a medical fellowship in 2010.
The details
Shroff joined the University of Arizona faculty in 2018 and served as chief of the Division of Hematology/Oncology at the University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson. She previously chaired the 2024 GI ASCO gastrointestinal cancer conference and launched her namesake young investigator award in September 2026.
Timeline
Shroff received the Osler Fellowship in 1993.
She began her fellowship at MD Anderson Cancer Center in 2010.
Shroff joined the University of Arizona faculty in 2018.
She chaired the GI ASCO conference in 2024.
She launched an endowed young investigator award in September 2026.
The Big Picture
Shroff was a central figure at the GI ASCO gastrointestinal cancer conference, having chaired the event in 2024. Her death represents a significant transition for the institution, as she was instrumental in directing global research agendas for biliary cancers.
The transition in leadership at the University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson may affect clinical trial enrollment and research oversight for regional patients. The endowed fund established by Shroff ensures that young investigators will continue the research pipeline she helped build.
The takeaway
Shroff left a lasting legacy through her extensive mentorship of young researchers and significant fundraising success. Her career highlights the critical role of specialized academic leadership in driving forward treatments for rare and complex gastrointestinal cancers.
Further reading
For more information on local research initiatives, visit the Cancer section.
