Data Use

The CGC adheres to internationally recognized policies for data access and release that have been developed to enable broad access to genomic information while protecting the rights of the individuals who donated tissue for analysis.  

See the following documents to learn more about human subjects protection and informed consent:

• The Cancer Genome Atlas Program Human Subjects Protection and Data Access Policies

• History and Development of Informed Consent Documents

 Data available through the CGC are subject to both general and dataset-specific data use policies, and access to Controlled Data is restricted to authorized users.

Access to TCGA and TARGET data is regulated by policies established by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National Cancer Institute (NCI), and the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) Database of Genotypes and Phenotypes (dbGaP). Any user who wishes to access either TCGA or TARGET Controlled Data must apply for dbGaP authorization, which is overseen by an NIH Data Access Committee (DAC). Access is granted if the request conforms to the specifications within the NIH Genomic Data Sharing Policy and to any program-specific requirements or procedures for a given dataset. In particular, all use of Controlled Data must be consistent with the data use limitations specified on the dbGaP website for that dataset and with the use(s) articulated by the submitting institution in its dbGaP application.

Access to ICGC data is regulated by policies established by the ICGC Data Access Compliance Office (DACO). Any user who wishes to access ICGC Controlled Data must apply for DACO authorization, which is overseen by the International Data Access Committee (IDAC). Access is granted if the request conforms to the goals and policies of the ICGC with respect to such issues as the purpose and relevance of the research and the protection of participants and their data.

The following provides a brief summary of the policies applicable to use of Controlled Data on the CGC. All researchers interested in accessing Controlled Data are responsible for ensuring full adherence to all relevant policies.

• By using any TCGA data (inclusive of both Open and Controlled Data) on the CGC, users implicitly agree to comply with the TCGA Responsible Use Policy and Publication Guidelines. All users, and their institutions, seeking access to and use of TCGA Controlled Data also must acknowledge their agreement with the TCGA policies and procedures described in the Data Use Certification associated with their dbGaP application.

• By using any TARGET Controlled Data on the CGC, users implicitly agree to comply with the TARGET Data Use Limitations and the policies and procedures described in the Data Use Certification associated with their dbGaP application, whereas users may explore TARGET Open Data on the CGC without restriction. All TARGET data users on the CGC implicitly agree to comply with the TARGET Publication Guidelines.

• By using any Controlled Data on the CGC that are regulated by dbGaP, users further implicitly agree to comply with the dbGaP Approved User Code of Conduct.

• By using any ICGC Controlled Data on the CGC, users implicitly agree to comply with all applicable Consortium policies and guidelines, including the Consortium Publication Policy.

See the following documents to learn more about the policies associated with accessing Controlled Data:

• NIH Genomic Data Sharing Policy

• ICGC good research practices

• dbGaP application for Controlled Data access

• DACO application for Controlled Data access