The Virtual Cancer Data Access System (VCDAS)

VCDAS is a data and computing enclave that provides researchers secure remote access to de-identified analytic cancer data, plus the statistical software for analysis.

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Solutions

Expanding data sharing options.

Launched with funding from the National Cancer Institute† Division of Cancer Prevention and Division of Cancer Control & Population Sciences (DCP and DCCPS), VCDAS gives researchers outside NCI remote access to the most sensitive cancer research datasets.

Traditional Sharing Model

Traditionally, researchers request access to data, wait for approval, and then download copies of the data to their local systems for analysis.

The Enclave Model

VCDAS provides researchers with access to databases and analytic tools in a secure data enclave. Researchers analyze data within VCDAS's secure computing environment. Source data remain in the enclave, and exports are limited to analytical results permitted under applicable data access and output restrictions.

Database Access

Access databases that cancer research relies upon.

IMS provides access to national-scale research databases as part of our continued support for the National Cancer Institute and other biomedical research institutions.

Individual access to sensitive data through VCDAS is contingent on NCI approval.
The data storage and processing environment is compliant with NIH security standards for users of Controlled Access Data Repositories (CADRs).

Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian (PLCO) Cancer Screening Trial Data

The PLCO trial was a randomized, controlled trial to determine whether certain screening exams reduce mortality from prostate, lung, colorectal and ovarian cancer.

Through VCDAS, researchers can analyze more than half a billion data points across 155,000 participants including risk factor information, cancer diagnoses, cancer treatments, other medical conditions, vital status, cause of death, and biospecimen data.

Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) Data

Researchers based in the U.S. who are affiliated with U.S. institutions can use VCDAS to access the Genetic Testing Linkage Database, one of several SEER Specialized Databases including sensitive treatment, pharmaceutical, and geographic fields.

Additional Data

The VCDAS Team is actively looking for additional use cases within the NIH and cancer research community. VCDAS can be used to provide access to users for open data, controlled data and data restricted to stay at NCI. If you are a data owner and would like to use VCDAS, please contact IMS.

Features & Tools

Built-in statistical analysis software.

SAS
R
Python

VCDAS includes SAS Viya and Posit Workbench for researchers to program in SAS, R, and Python. Researchers can work directly with available datasets within the enclave while adhering to download and output restrictions.

SAS Viya 4.0

SAS Viya includes non-coding options and other functionalities not available from desktop SAS 9.4.

Posit Workbench

Posit Workbench lets researchers analyze data using RStudio and Jupyter Notebook.

Exporting Analytical Results

VCDAS allows researchers to download, share, and publish analytical results. Individual-level data may not be included in any downloaded results.

Security Measures

Industry-aligned security features for sensitive data handling.

The VCDAS system and data are managed by IMS and hosted in our FISMA-moderate IMS Computing Center.

User Authentication
VCDAS requires multi-factor authentication to grant access to researchers. Access is limited to strictly data that a researcher is authorized to access.
Output Restrictions
Data cannot be downloaded from VCDAS, and other restrictions can be added to data output.
Data Use Agreements
VCDAS provides the ability to monitor that usage complies with data use agreements prohibiting data exfiltration via the system's report generation capabilities.
Authority to Operate
VCDAS has an approved Authority to Operate (ATO) issued by the National Cancer Institute's Chief Information Officer (CIO).

Continued Collaboration with the National Cancer Institute

IMS is a trusted provider of information technology for the National Cancer Institute. We have provided support to NCI's Division of Cancer Prevention since our founding in 1973 and to the Division of Cancer Control & Population Sciences since 1984.

We provide secure research platforms for data and biospecimen management and statistical support for publications and web applications for leading biomedical research institutes.

Research Platforms Statistical Support

Get Started

Implementation, pricing, and more.

VCDAS includes a cost-recovery mechanism for the benefit of data owners. It offsets the cost of software licenses as well as costs associated with hosting the system. Reach out to IMS for information – we'll answer any questions you have about functionality and pricing.

^†This project has been funded in whole or in part with federal funds from the National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health. Mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.