Dr. Rachna Shroff, a dedicated physician-scientist known for her work in gastrointestinal cancer treatments, passed away at the age of 47. Tragically, she lost her battle with the very aggressive cancer she had devoted her life to studying.
Earlier this year, Shroff, who served as the associate director of clinical investigations at the University of Arizona Cancer Center, was diagnosed with cancer after noticing a swollen lymph node in May. Sadly, by the end of that month, the cancer had already spread, with tests indicating it likely originated in her stomach or intestines.
Initially, her medical team suspected lymphoma, a type of blood cancer. However, it was later identified as terminal adenocarcinoma, which develops in the lining of organs.
Despite her dire diagnosis, Shroff attended a significant cancer research conference just days later to continue advocating for awareness and advancements in clinical research.
In a Zoom interview shortly before her passing, Shroff reflected on her journey, stating, “I’ve spent my entire life trying to eradicate cancer, primarily pancreatic cancer, but also liver cancers.”
Coming to terms with a condition that has no cure was particularly difficult for her family—her husband Puneet and their children, Sachin, 13, and Simran, 17. It was tough, especially considering all she had done to increase options and time for other patients facing similar battles.
Dr. Dan Theodorescu, director of the cancer center and Shroff’s supervisor, mentioned how she advanced many clinical trials in her role. He praised her ability to effectively build the clinical trial operation and successfully recruit bright young talent for the institution.
Shroff expressed her hope that her legacy would “outlive” her, as she considered this to be her “No. 1 credo.” But above all her professional achievements, she emphasized her love for her children: “That’s really all that matters here to me.”
Her children highlighted the characteristics they admire most about their mom. Samrin pointed to her tenacity, saying, “All she does is she pushes through whatever, and she figures out how to do it and how to be successful personally and professionally.” Sachin, on the other hand, mentioned her loving nature.
Rachna and Puneet were just a few months shy of their 20th wedding anniversary when she passed. She described Puneet as her rock, saying, “Puneet has been the reason I’ve marched forward. And his ability to understand my vantage point, and his ability … to just stand by my side.”
Even though they couldn’t celebrate their milestone together, they cherished their time in recent months, finding joy in moments like college visits for Samrin and Sachin’s baseball games.
Puneet reflected on the overwhelming nature of recent events, saying, “To have no cares, so to speak, in the world, and then all of them at your feet all at once, that’s both overwhelming. But it also teaches you resilience, and I hope that teaches our children resilience. I hope, for Rachna’s sake, it gives her strength, courage.”
