#
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Human Tumor Atlas Network (HTAN)? What is the HTAN Portal? Who can use the HTAN Portal? What types of data are available on the HTAN Portal? How can I access the data on the HTAN Portal? Do I need an account to access the HTAN data? How is the data on the HTAN Portal generated? Can I upload my own data to the HTAN Portal? Is there any support or documentation available for using the HTAN Portal? How is privacy and data security handled on the HTAN Portal? Can I use HTAN data for my own research? Where can I find updates on new data or features added to the HTAN Portal? Is there healthy data? Is there 3D data? Is there temporal data? How can I contact the HTAN team for additional questions?
#
What is the Human Tumor Atlas Network (HTAN)?
The Human Tumor Atlas Network (HTAN) is a collaborative research initiative funded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI). It aims to create comprehensive, dynamic 3D atlases of tumors across multiple cancer types and stages. These atlases provide insights into how tumors evolve, from early formation to metastasis and treatment resistance.
#
What is the HTAN Portal?
The HTAN Portal is an interactive platform where researchers, clinicians, and the public can access, explore, and analyze data generated by HTAN. The portal contains data such as genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and imaging data related to tumor development.
#
Who can use the HTAN Portal?
The HTAN Portal is open to anyone interested in cancer research, including scientists, clinicians, and students. It is especially useful for cancer researchers seeking to explore tumor evolution and heterogeneity through a rich collection of multi-omics and imaging datasets.
#
What types of data are available on the HTAN Portal?
The portal provides access to various types of data, including:
- Genomic data
- Transcriptomic data
- Proteomic data
- Single-cell sequencing data
- Imaging and other spatial data
These datasets are gathered from different stages of cancer progression, including healthy, precancerous, primary tumors, metastases, and treatment-resistant cancers.
#
How can I access the data on the HTAN Portal?
Users can access the data through the Explore Page on the HTAN Portal
#
Do I need an account to access the HTAN data?
No, an account is not required to explore the public data available on the HTAN Portal. However for accessing the lower level data, dbGap access needs to be obtained. See the Acccess-Controlled Data section for more information.
#
How is the data on the HTAN Portal generated?
The data is collected from participating HTAN centers across the United States. These centers generate multi-omics data, imaging datasets, and other relevant tumor information using advanced technologies, such as single-cell sequencing, proteomics, and spatial imaging techniques.
#
Can I upload my own data to the HTAN Portal?
At this time, the HTAN Portal does not support user-uploaded data
#
Is there any support or documentation available for using the HTAN Portal?
Yes, the HTAN Portal offers extensive documentation to help users navigate and utilize the platform effectively. Additionally, the portal provides a Help Desk for support.
#
How is privacy and data security handled on the HTAN Portal?
The HTAN Portal adheres to strict data security and privacy protocols to ensure that sensitive information, including patient-related data, is protected. Any identifiable information is removed or de-identified before being made available to the public, in compliance with ethical standards and legal regulations. More information can be found in the Governance and Policy section.
#
Can I use HTAN data for my own research?
Yes, researchers are encouraged to use HTAN data for their own studies. The data is publicly available, but users must acknowledge HTAN and the publication of the source data in any resulting publications
#
Where can I find updates on new data or features added to the HTAN Portal?
The portal is regularly updated with new data and features. You can find updates in the News section of the HTAN Portal.
#
Is there healthy data?
There is "healthy" and precancerous data on the HTAN Portal. No specific “healthy” filter exists at the moment, but one can find all samples without an unknown or reported disease with this HTAN portal filter. Note however that some of these may be tumors of unknown primary, or the information is missing for another reason. There is an open ticket to improve the selection of healthy/normal and precancerous tissue.
#
Is there 3D data?
A number of three-dimensional datasets have been released on the HTAN data portal, including 3D microscopy data and serial sections for H&E and multiplexed tissue imaging. Examples include multiple serial section of CRC analyzed by CyCIF for the SARDANA trans-network partnership, and electron microscopy data from OHSU. The DCC expects to receive and share 3D datasets including confocal and light-sheet microscopy in the future.
#
Is there temporal data?
There are a few different types of temporal data, e.g., precancerous vs cancerous tumors, primary vs metastatic tumor samples, as well as a patient's longitudinal treatment and diagnosis information. The former can be found by search for specific biospecimens. The latter can now be explored per atlas in the longitudinal data section of the HTAN Data Submission Dashboard, as well as on cBioPortal for the OHSU breast cancer dataset. We are working on improving the search and filter capabilities for temporal data on the HTAN Portal.
#
How can I contact the HTAN team for additional questions?
You can contact the HTAN team through the Help Desk