The US Cancer Genome Atlas Program (TCGA) conducts large scale collections of relevant clinical records, tumor tissues and corresponding normal tissues of specific cancer patients, conducts sequencing and bioinformatics analysis, integrates data and publishes sequencing data and analysis results on its official website for public browsing and download so that scientists, researchers or academic units around the world can access them for use. The purpose of the project is to circulate knowledge, promote research and create comprehensive cancer genome information to help prevent, diagnose and treat cancer. In order to provide users in the system with convenient and fast access to the required research data, TMU has built a TCGA database and a TCGA clinical data retrieval and screening platform.
TCGA contains two types of data: Controlled datasets (Level 1 raw data) and Open datasets (Level 3)
Open datasets can be directly obtained through the TCGA clinical data retrieval and screening platform constructed by TMU. (TCGA clinical data retrieval and screening platform).
Controlled datasets must be approved by TCGA before they can be downloaded and used
Must be a Principal Investigator (PI) in the TMU System or in a job position with equivalent status within in the work organization. Postdoctoral researchers, graduate students, and laboratory colleagues may only be listed as partners. In addition, partners from outside the TMU must independently apply for the right to use the data.
The application must be signed by the Signing Official (SO) of the work organization. Usually, the SO is the president of a university. The SO and the applicant cannot be the same person.
The applicant and the SO must agree to implement the terms for using the TCGA data.
Applicants should make an appointment with the Bioinformatics Center for consultation services and fill in the BIC002 Biomedical Data Application Form. Select the required data types (such as RNA-Seq, Gene expression, etc.). After the consultation, the applicant can use the TMU TCGA search and screening platform (the Bioinformatics Center will arrange a specific computer for use by the applicant) to select the required sample list. If the applicant wishes to download data that are Open datasets, the Bioinformatics Center will provide a table of samples and a corresponding ID table for TCGA samples. If the data are Controlled datasets, the Bioinformatics Center will assist the applicant with obtaining the right to use the TCGA data. In addition, applicants can also seek follow-up analysis services and collaboration with the Bioinformatics Center.