Indian-American doctor and cancer researcher Rachna Shroff, who was among the leading experts in pancreatic and biliary tract cancers, has died at the age of 47. She died of the same disease for which she was seeking a cure.
Shroff was a clinician-scientist and associate director of the University of Arizona Cancer Center. The university announced her death on Monday, while the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) paid tribute to her on Tuesday, describing her as one of the foremost experts in pancreatic and biliary tract cancers.
In the weeks that followed, she learned that the disease had spread, likely originating in the gastrointestinal tract. She was eventually diagnosed with terminal adenocarcinoma, which affects the glands that line a person’s organs. Despite her diagnosis, Shroff continued working to advance cancer research and improve treatment options for patients. She also championed clinical trials and helped raise awareness about emerging breakthroughs in cancer treatment. (Also Read: Indian-American doctor reacts after viral ‘bindi’ video draws racist comments: ‘I was born and raised here’ ) Shroff was internationally recognised for her work on cholangiocarcinoma, commonly known as bile duct cancer, a disease for which treatment options were limited when she began working in the field. She also contributed to the development of innovative treatments for pancreatic and hepatobiliary cancers.
Shroff was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year after noticing that one of her lymph nodes had begun to swell in May, according to a report by People.
In 2024, she spoke about the importance of making clinical trials accessible to patients, saying that doctors should ideally have a trial available for every patient who walks through their doors. The initiative raised more than $1.35 million to benefit future cancer research, according to the University of Arizona. A fellow of ASCO, Shroff was also known for mentoring young researchers and supporting the next generation of cancer specialists. She established the Conquer Cancer – Rachna Shroff, MD, MS, FASCO Endowed Young Investigator Award in Biliary Cancers to support emerging researchers in the field.
