Pronunciation: [tˌiːsˌiːd͡ʒˌiːˈe͡ɪ] (IPA) 
The spelling of TCGA is straightforward when using IPA phonetic transcription. The first sound is /t/, a voiceless alveolar stop, followed by /k/, a voiceless velar stop. Then comes /g/, a voiced velar stop and finally /ə/ or a schwa sound. The overall sound is /tikgə/, with a stress on the first syllable. TCGA's meaning may differ according to the context, but its spelling fortunately remains constant.
The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) is a comprehensive and collaborative initiative that aims to accelerate cancer research by analyzing and cataloging large-scale genomic data. TCGA is a publicly funded project established by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) in the United States.
At its core, TCGA seeks to improve our understanding of cancer biology by dissecting the genomic alterations in various types of cancer through next-generation sequencing technologies. It involves a multi-institutional effort involving researchers, clinicians, and bioinformaticians, who collectively contribute to the large-scale acquisition and analyses of cancer genomics data.
TCGA has collected and analyzed diverse molecular data, including DNA sequencing, RNA expression profiling, DNA methylation patterns, and structural alterations present in different types of tumors. It has produced comprehensive genomic maps of numerous cancer types, providing valuable insights into the genetic basis of cancer development and progression.
The ultimate goal of TCGA is to transform the understanding and treatment of cancer by providing a wealth of publicly available, high-quality data that is accessible to the scientific community. Researchers worldwide can utilize the data generated by TCGA to identify potential therapeutic targets, define molecular subtypes of cancer, and develop personalized treatment strategies. The availability of this vast genomic information has propelled precision oncology and contributed to the development of targeted therapies for specific cancer subtypes. TCGA continues to expand its data collection and analysis efforts, contributing to cutting-edge cancer research.
