The Cancer Genomics Cloud: Collaborative, Reproducible, and Democratized-A New Paradigm in Large-Scale Computational Research

Abstract

The Seven Bridges Cancer Genomics Cloud (CGC; www.cancergenomicscloud.org) enables researchers to rapidly access and collaborate on massive public cancer genomic datasets, including The Cancer Genome Atlas. It provides secure on-demand access to data, analysis tools, and computing resources. Researchers from diverse backgrounds can easily visualize, query, and explore cancer genomic datasets visually or programmatically. Data of interest can be immediately analyzed in the cloud using more than 200 preinstalled, curated bioinformatics tools and workflows. Researchers can also extend the functionality of the platform by adding their own data and tools via an intuitive software development kit. By colocalizing these resources in the cloud, the CGC enables scalable, reproducible analyses. Researchers worldwide can use the CGC to investigate key questions in cancer genomics. Cancer Res; 77(21); e3-6. ©2017 AACR.

Figure 1

The Cancer Genomics Cloud is designed to enable scalable cancer genomics research, with features that support usability. A) In addition to hosting public cancer genomics datasets and providing curated analysis tools, the CGC enables users to upload and annotate their own data, as well as integrate their own tools. Data analyses are run using optimized computing resources and executions are recorded to ensure reproducibility. B) Time course of an RNA-Seq quantitation experiment in which more than 9,000 samples were analyzed in parallel. All samples were completed within 100 minutes. C) The visual Data Browser allows users to explore and select data by specifying properties of interest. Once selected, these files can be added to a project for analysis. D) The interactive Case Explorer allows users to visualize and select cases based on type of cancer, genes of interest, types of mutations, and more.