Main Content

Access Data

Accessing Genomic Data

The GDC Data Portal is a groundbreaking tool that enables a better understanding of cancer biology by allowing researchers to:

  • Search and query genomic data
  • Download data directly from the web browser or download large volumes of data using the high performance GDC Data Transfer Tool
  • Analyze cancer data including clinical information, genomic characterization data, and high level sequence analysis of the tumor genomes

Get Started by Exploring GDC Processes and Tools »

Data Access Tools

The GDC provides web-based tools and API endpoints for searching, viewing and downloading data as well as client tools for downloading large volumes of data.

Controlled Data Access Policy

Any user requesting access to GDC controlled data must apply for access to the data through the database of Genotypes and Phenotypes (dbGaP):

High Quality Datasets

The GDC obtains datasets from NCI programs which maintain tissue collection strategies that couple quantity with quality. Data validation is performed on all data submitted to the GDC.

What’s New with the GDC and Cancer Research

Cancer Research Highlights and Publications:

From the GDC FAQ

In the GDC Data Portal, when I filter by Experimental Strategy (e.g., RNA-Seq) in the Cohort Builder Available Data filter, why is this filter not working when I navigate to Repository?

Filtering in Cohort Builder results in a set of cases. Cases typically have available data for multiple Experimental Strategies (e.g., cases with RNA-Seq data can also have DNA-Seq data). As such, when navigating to Repository additional data besides RNA-Seq data is displayed. Repository filters are file based. When filtering Repository by Experimental Strategy (e.g., RNA-Seq) only files associated with the Experimental Strategy are displayed.

Need Assistance?

Need help with data retrieval, download, or submission?

Visit the GDC Support Page