Rachna Shroff Obituary, Death – University of Arizona Mourns Renowned Cancer Researcher and Physician at 47

TUCSON, ARIZONA — The University of Arizona community is mourning the death of Rachna Shroff, MD, MS, a respected physician, cancer researcher, and advocate whose work focused on improving treatment and advancing research for patients with difficult-to-treat cancers. Shroff died on October 11, 2026, according to an email sent to university faculty, staff, and students.

In its announcement, the university community expressed deep sorrow over the loss of its friend and colleague. Shroff was widely recognized for her dedication to cancer research, particularly hepatobiliary cancers, including cholangiocarcinoma, also known as bile duct cancer, as well as gallbladder and ampulla of Vater cancers.

Throughout her career, Shroff worked to advance research and treatment for diseases that have often received less research funding and attention relative to their mortality and broader impact. Her professional efforts centered on improving scientific understanding, supporting treatment development, and helping patients facing serious diagnoses.

Her work took on an especially personal dimension after she learned she was living with cancer of unknown primary. At 47, Shroff began considering the legacy she hoped to leave behind and how she could help ensure that research in her field continued beyond her own career.

Rather than allowing her diagnosis to diminish her commitment, she sought to establish a lasting source of support for emerging scientists. Her ambitious goal was to raise $1.35 million to permanently endow the Conquer Cancer–Rachna Shroff, MD, MS, FASCO Young Investigator Award in Biliary Cancer.

The award was intended to support the next generation of researchers working to improve understanding and treatment of biliary cancers. Through this initiative, Shroff sought to create opportunities for young investigators to pursue discoveries that could eventually improve outcomes for patients.

In a message to friends and colleagues, she reflected that her experience with aggressive disease had sharpened her focus on what mattered most. Her fundraising effort demonstrated her determination to continue contributing to the field and to the patients whose lives depend on scientific progress.

Shroff’s death represents a significant loss for colleagues, students, researchers, and the broader cancer-care community. Her professional legacy includes not only her work in clinical care and research but also her efforts to help future scientists continue the search for better treatments.

As tributes emerge, her commitment to patients and her vision for the future of cancer research remain central to how she is being remembered.

Personal Details

Disclaimer: This article is based on the information provided. Further biographical details and funeral or memorial arrangements have not been confirmed in the supplied material and may be announced by her family or institution.