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 »

Illustration: Access Data User Friendly Data Portal Download Various Volumes of Data Detailed Documentation

Documentation

 GDC Data Portal User’s Guide »

 GDC Data Transfer Tool User’s Guide »

 GDC API User’s Guide »

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

How can I download BAM index files (BAI files) using the API?

BAI files are included with the download when using the GDC Data Transfer Tool to download BAM files.

When using the API to download BAM files, BAI files will only be included if the related_files=true parameter is specified together with the BAM UUID, for example:

https://api.gdc.cancer.gov/data/53f4ad60-0777-409c-a34d-ca4442dc9c44?related_files=true

Alternatively, users can determine the BAI file UUID from the API files endpoint by supplying the BAM UUID. The BAI file UUID can then be used to download the BAI file from the data endpoint.

https://api.gdc.cancer.gov/files/53f4ad60-0777-409c-a34d-ca4442dc9c44?pretty=true&expand=index_files

https://api.gdc.cancer.gov/data/60cefd89-b428-46b7-b5b0-3b6e2743ab20

Note: BAI files are not available for sliced BAM files.

Need Assistance?

Need help with data retrieval, download, or submission?

NIH… Turning Discovery Into Health ®