Poster ID
P-19
Poster Title
The International Cancer Genome Consortium: Accelerating Research in Genomic Oncology (ICGC ARGO)
Authors
Amber Johns¹, Rita Lawlor², Melanie Courtot³, Takayuki Yoshino⁴, Lincoln Stein³, Andrew Biankin⁵ on behalf of the ICGC ARGO Consortium
¹International Cancer Genome Consortium, Australia; ²University of Verona, Italy; ³Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Canada; ⁴National Cancer Centre East, Japan; ⁵University of Glasgow, United Kingdom
¹International Cancer Genome Consortium, Australia; ²University of Verona, Italy; ³Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Canada; ⁴National Cancer Centre East, Japan; ⁵University of Glasgow, United Kingdom
Abstract
Introduction: The International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) sequenced 25,000 cancer genomes in its first phase and catalogued alterations across many tumour types. ICGC ARGO extends this work by pairing genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic profiles with harmonised clinical, treatment, response and survival data. Clinical questions drive interrogation of the genome, linking molecular alterations to outcome to support precision oncology at global scale.
Methods: ARGO is a confederation of 24 programs across 13 countries investigating more than 22 tumour types, spanning clinical genomic platforms, regulatory trials and global tumour consortia, with a focus on rare, young-onset, drug-resistant and high-mortality cancers. Data are collected prospectively under harmonised protocols across international sites. Patients are followed longitudinally through recurrence, response and survival. Diverse populations and health systems correct historical geographic bias.
Results: As of March 2026 (Data Release 14), the platform holds registered data for more than 8,000 donors, with high quality clinical and molecular data for 7,056 across more than 136,129 files spanning whole-genome, whole-exome, RNA-Seq and targeted sequencing. All datasets were reanalysed with standardised workflows producing alignments, quality control metrics and variant calls. Data is available through the ICGC Data Access Compliance Office (DACO), with a standardised Data Access Agreement providing ethical and legal consistency across jurisdictions, and alignment with FAIR principles supporting responsible sharing.
Conclusion: ICGC ARGO is assembling one of the largest and most diverse clinically annotated cancer genomics resources. By combining prospective harmonised collection, longitudinal follow-up, global representation and controlled access under established governance, it provides infrastructure to answer clinical questions no single institution can address alone.
Methods: ARGO is a confederation of 24 programs across 13 countries investigating more than 22 tumour types, spanning clinical genomic platforms, regulatory trials and global tumour consortia, with a focus on rare, young-onset, drug-resistant and high-mortality cancers. Data are collected prospectively under harmonised protocols across international sites. Patients are followed longitudinally through recurrence, response and survival. Diverse populations and health systems correct historical geographic bias.
Results: As of March 2026 (Data Release 14), the platform holds registered data for more than 8,000 donors, with high quality clinical and molecular data for 7,056 across more than 136,129 files spanning whole-genome, whole-exome, RNA-Seq and targeted sequencing. All datasets were reanalysed with standardised workflows producing alignments, quality control metrics and variant calls. Data is available through the ICGC Data Access Compliance Office (DACO), with a standardised Data Access Agreement providing ethical and legal consistency across jurisdictions, and alignment with FAIR principles supporting responsible sharing.
Conclusion: ICGC ARGO is assembling one of the largest and most diverse clinically annotated cancer genomics resources. By combining prospective harmonised collection, longitudinal follow-up, global representation and controlled access under established governance, it provides infrastructure to answer clinical questions no single institution can address alone.
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