Dr. Rachna Shroff Appointed First Holder of New Endowed Professorship for Gastrointestinal Oncology at the University of Arizona

Dr. Rachna Shroff has been appointed the first holder of the John F. and Valli S. Duval Endowed Professorship for Gastrointestinal Oncology at the University of Arizona, a significant advancement in the institution’s commitment to cutting-edge cancer research and clinical innovation.

Dr. Rachna Shroff has been appointed as the inaugural holder of the John F. and Valli S. Duval Endowed Professorship for Gastrointestinal Oncology at the University of Arizona College of Medicine–Tucson’s Comprehensive Cancer Center. This appointment, announced on March 18, 2026, follows a celebratory ceremony on March 12, 2026, honoring her extensive contributions to oncology and her leadership in cancer research.

The endowed professorship was established through a transformative $1 million donation from John and Valli Duval, which is intended to bolster cancer research and enhance clinical innovation at the University of Arizona Comprehensive Cancer Center. As the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center located in Arizona, this center plays a critical role in advancing cancer care in the region.

Significance of the Endowment

The Duvals’ generous contribution aims to ensure sustained investments in clinical trials, which are essential for developing new therapeutic options and improving patient outcomes. Dr. Shroff expressed her gratitude for this honor, stating, “I’m honored to have been chosen for this inaugural endowed professorship and extremely grateful to the Duvals for their generosity. This gift will allow the Cancer Center to continue to invest in clinical trials, which are the only way to move the needle forward in cancer care. Every single cure that we now have for cancer started with a clinical trial.”

Dr. Dan Theodorescu, the director of the Cancer Center, emphasized the importance of the Duvals’ donation, stating, “The Duvals have spent a lifetime supporting academic medicine, and I thank them for this gift that will allow the Cancer Center and Dr. Shroff to continue to search for treatments and therapies that will benefit patients.” Theodorescu further noted that Dr. Shroff’s contributions to oncology extend beyond scientific discovery; her leadership and commitment to advancing clinical trials stand to improve treatment options for patients throughout Arizona.

Dr. Shroff’s Contributions to Oncology

In her dual roles as chief of the Division of Hematology and Oncology at the College of Medicine – Tucson and as the medical director of the oncology service line at Banner – University Medical Center Tucson, Dr. Shroff has dedicated her career to pioneering advancements in immunological therapies and novel drug treatments. The University highlights her success in establishing a high-performing gastrointestinal oncology program, which ensures that patients receive access to the latest scientific advancements in treatment.

Dr. Shroff is internationally recognized for her expertise in bile duct cancer, known medically as cholangiocarcinoma. This rare and historically challenging disease has witnessed significant advancements owing to the landmark clinical trials led by Dr. Shroff as a principal investigator. The University remarked, “Today, the field has changed dramatically, due in part to the landmark clinical trials Shroff has led as a principal investigator.”

Philanthropy’s Critical Role in Medical Advancements

The Duval gift underscores the vital role that philanthropy plays in supporting medical research and education. John-Paul Roczniak, president and CEO of the University of Arizona Foundation, stated, “Philanthropy plays a critical role in attracting and retaining physician-scientists like Dr. Shroff, whose work touches the lives of patients and their families every day.” The endowed professorship not only honors Dr. Shroff’s past achievements but also indicates a strong commitment to future advancements in cancer treatment and research at the University of Arizona.

The establishment of this professorship is particularly significant within the context of Arizona’s healthcare landscape. As the only comprehensive cancer center designated by the National Cancer Institute in the state, the University of Arizona’s Comprehensive Cancer Center serves as a pivotal institution in the ongoing battle against cancer, providing both innovative research and compassionate patient care.

Looking Ahead: Future Implications for Cancer Research

Dr. Shroff’s academic and clinical leadership is expected to enhance the University of Arizona’s reputation in cancer research and treatment. The investment in clinical trials supported by the Duval gift is crucial in the current landscape of oncology, where personalized medicine is becoming increasingly important. Dr. Shroff’s research contributions have been instrumental in ushering in advances that allow for targeted cancer treatments based on individual patient biology.

The implications of this endowed professorship extend beyond the immediate benefits to the University and its patients. It highlights a broader trend in academic medicine where philanthropic support is increasingly required to drive innovation and promote patient-centered care. The partnership between donors and researchers exemplifies how collaborative efforts can lead to significant breakthroughs in medical science.

As Dr. Shroff embarks on this new chapter in her career, the academic and medical communities will be closely watching her work at the University of Arizona Comprehensive Cancer Center. Her leadership is anticipated to foster an environment of innovation that will not only benefit patients in Arizona but may also contribute to advancements in cancer treatment on a national and international scale.