Consortia to Advance Collaboration in Epidemiologic and Cancer Research
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EGRP's Definition of Consortia
The National Cancer Institute's (NCI) Epidemiology and Genomics Research Program (EGRP) defines a consortium as a group of scientists from multiple institutions who have agreed to participate in cooperative research efforts involving activities such as methods development and validation, pooling of information from more than one study for the purpose of combined analyses, and collaborative projects. Consortia are able to address scientific questions that cannot be addressed otherwise due to scope, resources, population size, or expertise. This cooperation usually involves multiple projects over an extended period of time. Consortia can also be referred to as collaboratives.
The creation of a consortium is independent from NCI and NIH funding mechanisms. Groups participating in a consortium may partner in the writing of research grant applications, but consortium activities are not limited to a specific grant/project.
For sources of support, view our compilation of NCI and NIH funding opportunities that are relevant to cancer epidemiology or contact an EGRP Program Director.
NCI Cohort Consortium

- Foster communication among investigators leading cohort studies of cancer;
- Promote collaborative research projects for topics not easily addressed in a single study; and
- Identify common challenges in cohort research and search for solutions.
The NCI Cohort Consortium is an extramural-intramural partnership formed by NCI to address the need for large-scale collaborations to pool the large quantity of data and biospecimens necessary to conduct a wide range of cancer studies. The Consortium, through its collaborative network of investigators, provides a coordinated, interdisciplinary approach to tackling important scientific questions, economies of scale, and opportunities to quicken the pace of research.
The NCI Cohort Consortium includes investigators responsible for more than 50 high-quality cohorts involving more than 7 million people. The cohorts are international in scope and cover large, rich, and diverse populations. Extensive risk factor data are available on each cohort, and biospecimens including germline DNA collected at baseline, are available on approximately 2 million individuals. Investigators team up to use common protocols and methods, and to conduct coordinated parallel and pooled analyses.
Cancer Epidemiology Consortia
The list below provides links to information about research consortia that may be of interest to cancer epidemiologists. It is not an exhaustive list. Access to resources is dependent on procedures outlined for each individual consortium. Consortia interested in being included in this list should contact NCIEpiConsortia@mail.nih.gov.
Brain Cancer
-
Brain Tumor Epidemiology Consortium (BTEC)
Since 2003
NIH Contacts
EGRP/NCI:
BTEC Liaison:
Melissa Rotunno, PhDDCEG/NCI:
Preetha Rajaraman, PhDCo-Presidents:
Helle Broholm, MD
Department of Neuropathology, Rigshospitalet, CopenhagenKim Johnson PhD
Washington University in St. LouisSecretary:
Carol Kruchko
Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States -
GLIOGENE
Since 2007
NIH Contacts
EGRP/NCI:
GLIOGENE Liaison:
Melissa Rotunno, PhDLead Investigator:
Melissa Bondy, PhD
Stanford Medicine
Breast Cancer
-
African-American Breast Cancer Consortium
Since 2008
NIH Contacts
EGRP/NCI:
Consortium Liaison:
Stefanie A. Nelson, PhDLead Investigators:
Chris Haiman, PhD
Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center,
University of Southern CaliforniaFunmi Olopade, MD
The University of ChicagoJulie Palmer, ScD
Boston UniversityWei Zheng, MD, PhD
Vanderbilt University School of Medicine -
Asian Breast Cancer Consortium (ABCC)
Since 2008
NIH Contacts
EGRP/NCI:
ABCC Liaison:
Gabriel Lai, PhDLead Investigator:
Wei Zheng, MD, PhD
Vanderbilt University School of Medicine -
Breast Cancer Association Consortium (BCAC)
Since 2005
NIH Contacts
EGRP/NCI:
BCAC Liaison:
Stefanie Nelson, PhDLead Investigators:
Douglas Easton, PhD
University of CambridgePaul Pharoah, PhD
Cambridge Cancer CenterGeorgia Chenevix-Trench, PhD
Queensland Institute of Medical ResearchManjeet Humphreys
University of Cambridge -
Breast Cancer Family Registry (B-CFR)Visit Consortium Website
Since 1995
NIH Contacts
EGRP/NCI:
B-CFR Liaison:
Danielle Mercatante Carrick, PhD, MHSLead Investigators:
Irene Andrulis, PhD
Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute of Mt. Sinai Medical CenterSaundra Buys, MD
University of Utah Health Sciences CenterMary Daly, MD, PhD
Fox Chase Cancer CenterJohn Hopper, PhD
University of MelbourneEsther John, PhD, MSPH
Stanford UniversityMary Beth Terry, PhD
Columbia University -
The Consortium of Investigators of Modifiers of BRCA1/2 (CIMBA)
Since 2005
NIH Contacts
EGRP/NCI:
CIMBA Liaison:
Melissa Rotunno, PhDLead Investigators:
Georgia Chenevix-Trench, PhD (Coordinator)
QIMR Berghofer Medical Research InstituteLesley McGuffog (Data Manager)
University of Cambridge -
Evidence-based Network for the Interpretation of Germline Mutant Alleles Consortium (ENIGMA)
Since 2009
NIH Contacts
EGRP/NCI:
ENIGMA Liaison:
Melissa Rotunno, PhDLead Investigator:
Amanda Spurdle, PhD
QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute -
Lessons in Epidemiology and Genetics of Adult Cancer from Youth (LEGACY): a Cohort of Youth in Families from the Breast Cancer Family Registry
Since 2011
NIH Contacts
EGRP/NCI:
LEGACY Liaison:
Gabriel Lai, PhDLead Investigators:
Esther M. John, PhD, MSPH
Cancer Prevention Institute of CaliforniaMary Beth Terry, PhD
Columbia University Medical CenterMary B. Daly, MD, PhD
Fox Chase Cancer CenterIrene L. Andrulis, PhD
Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute, Mt. Sinai HospitalSaundra Buys, MD
Huntsman Cancer Institute -
Prevention and Observation of Surgical Endpoints and Modifiers of Cancer Risk in BRCA1/2 Mutation Carriers (PROSE-Modifiers Studies) (Collaborative Studies of BRCA 1/2 Mutation Carriers)
NIH Contacts
EGRP/NCI:
PROSE Liaison:
Rao L. Divi, PhD
Timothy Rebbeck, PhD
Harvard University -
Women, Cancer and Radiation Exposure (WECARE)
Since 2002
NIH Contacts
EGRP/NCI:
WECARE Liaison:
Gabriel Lai, PhDLead Investigators:
Jonine Bernstein, PhD
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
Childhood Cancers
-
Childhood Cancer and Leukemia International Consortium (CLIC)
Since 2006
NIH Contacts
EGRP/NCI:
CLIC Liaison:
Somdat Mahabir, PhD, MPHChair:
Logan G. Spector, PhD
University of MinnesotaProject Manager:
Rebecca Johnson, PhD, MPH
University of Minnesota -
International Childhood Cancer Cohort Consortium (I4C)
Since 2005
NIH Contacts
EGRP/NCI:
I4C Liaison:
Somdat Mahabir, PhD, MPHDCEG/NCI:
Mary H. Ward, PhDLead Investigator:
Includes various EGRP-funded investigators teamed with DCEG investigators.Terry Dwyer, A.O., MD, MPH
Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne
Colorectal Cancer
-
African coloRectal cancer GrOup (ARGO)
Since 2013
NIH Contacts
EGRP/NCI:
EGRP Liaison:
Krista Zanetti, PhD, MPH, RDLead Investigators:
Isaac Alatise, MD
Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital
Ile Ife, NigeriaPeter Kingham, MD
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center -
Asian Colorectal Cancer Consortium (ACCC)
Since 2008
NIH Contacts
EGRP/NCI:
ACCC Liaison:
Gabriel Lai, PhDLead Investigator:
Wei Zheng, MD, PhD
Vanderbilt University School of Medicine -
Colon Cancer Family Registry (C-CFR)
Since 1997
NIH Contacts
EGRP/NCI:
C-CFR Liaison:
Danielle Mercatante Carrick, PhD, MHSLead Investigators:
Jane C. Figueiredo, PhD
Cedars-Sinai Medical CenterSteve Gallinger, MD
Mount Sinai Hospital
Cancer Care OntarioMark A. Jenkins, PhD (Contact PI)
The University of MelbourneLoic Le Marchand, MD, PhD
University of Hawaii at ManoaPolly Newcomb, PhD, MPH
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research CenterRish Pai, MD, PhD
Mayo Clinic, Arizona -
Genetics and Epidemiology of Colorectal Cancer Consortium (GECCO)
Since 2008
NIH Contacts
EGRP/NCI:
GECCO Liaison:
Leah Mechanic, PhD, MPHLead Investigator:
Ulrike Peters, PhD, MPH
University of Washington School of Public Health -
Lynch Syndrome Screening Network (LSSN)
Since 2011
NIH Contacts
EGRP/NCI:
LSSN Liaison:
Nonniekaye Shelburne, CRNP, MS, AOCNLead Investigators:
Debra Duquette, MS, CGC
Michigan Department of Community HealthSarah Mange, MPH
Michigan Deptartment of Community HealthCecelia A. Bellcross, PhD, MS, CGC
Emory University School of MedicineKory Jasperson, MS, CGC
Huntsman Cancer InstituteHeather Hampel, MS, CGC
Ohio State University
Endometrial Cancer
-
Epidemiology of Endometrial Cancer Consortium (E2C2)
Since 2006
NIH Contacts
EGRP/NCI:
E2C2 Liaison:
Leah Mechanic, PhD, MPHDCEG/NCI:
Megan Clarke, PhD, MHSLead Investigators:
Mengmeng Du, ScD
Immaculata DeVivo, PhD
Harvard T.H. Chan School for Public Health
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Head and Neck Cancer
-
International Head and Neck Cancer Epidemiology Consortium (INHANCE)
Since 2004
NIH Contacts
DCCPS/NCI:
INHANCE Liaison:
Gabriel Lai, PhDCo-Coordinators:
Paolo Boffetta, MD
Mia Hashibe, MPH, PhD
University of Utah School of Medicine
Stony Brook Cancer CenterContact:
Amy Lee, PhD
University of Utah School of Medicine
Kidney Cancer
-
International Consortium for Investigation of Inherited Renal Malignancies (I-ConFIRM)
Since 2013
NIH Contacts
EGRP/NCI:
I-ConFIRM Liaison:
Krista A. Zanetti, PhD, MPH, RDLead Investigators:
Gianluca Severi, PhD
Centre for Research in Epidemiology and Population Health, INSERM, Paris South UniversityEamonn Maher, BSc, MD, FRCP, FMedSci
University of CambridgeLoren Lipworth, ScD
Vanderbilt UniversityFiona Bruinsma, DrPH
Cancer Council VictoriaIngrid Winship, MBChB, MD, FRACP, FACD, FAICD
University of Melbourne
Leukemia
-
Childhood Cancer and Leukemia International Consortium (CLIC)
Since 2006
NIH Contacts
EGRP/NCI:
CLIC Liaison:
Somdat Mahabir, PhD, MPHLead Investigator:
Catherine Metayer, MD, PhD
University of California, BerkleyProject Manager:
Alice Kang
University of California, Berkley
Liver
-
Hepatocellular Carcinoma Epidemiology Consortium (HCCEC)
Since 2011
NIH Contacts
EGRP/NCI:
HCC Liaison:
Gabriel Lai, PhDLead Investigators:
Manal M. Hassan, MB BCH, MPH, PhD
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHashem B. El-Serag, MD, MPH
Baylor College of Medicine
Lung Cancer
-
Genetic Epidemiology of Lung Cancer (GELCC)
Since 1999
NIH Contacts
EGRP/NCI:
GELCC Liaison:
Danielle Mercatante Carrick, PhD, MHSNHGRI:
Joan Bailey-Wilson, PhDLead Investigator:
Chris Amos, PhD -
International Lung Cancer Consortium (ILCCO)
Since 2004
NIH Contacts
EGRP/NCI:
ILCCO Liaison:
Danielle Mercatante Carrick, PhD, MHSLead Investigators:
Chris Amos, PhD
Baylor College of MedicineRayjean Hung, PhD
Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute
Lymphoma
-
International Lymphoma Epidemiology Consortium (InterLymph)
Since 2001
NIH Contacts
EGRP/NCI:
InterLymph Liaison:
Rao Divi, PhDLead Investigators:
Elizabeth Brown, PhD (Chair)
Professor
Department of Pathology
University of Alabama, BirminghamGeffen Kleinstern, PhD
Senior Lecturer
School of Public Health
University of HaifaCeline Vachon, PhD
Professor
Mayo Clinic
Ovarian Cancer
-
Evidence-based Network for the Interpretation of Germline Mutant Alleles Consortium (ENIGMA)
Since 2009
NIH Contacts
EGRP/NCI:
ENIGMA Liaison:
Melissa Rotunno, PhDLead Investigator:
Amanda Spurdle, PhD
QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute -
Ovarian Cancer Association Consortium (OCAC)
Since 2005
NIH Contacts
EGRP/NCI:
OCAC Liaison:
Stefanie Nelson, PhDLead Investigator:
Andrew Berchuck, MD
Duke University Comprehensive Cancer Center -
Ovarian Cancer Cohort Consortium (OC3)
Since 2009
NIH Contacts
EGRP/NCI:
OC3 Liaison:
Stefanie Nelson, PhDDCEG/NCI:
Nicolas Wentzensen, MD, PhDLead Investigators:
Shelley Tworoger, PhD
Harvard University School of Public HealthAlan Arslan, MD
New York University -
Ovarian Cancer in Women of African Ancestry (OCWAA)
Since 2013
NIH Contacts
EGRP/NCI:
OCWAA Liaison:
Krista A. Zanetti, PhD, MPH, RDLead Investigators:
Patricia G. Moorman, PhD, MSPH
Duke Cancer InstituteJoellen M. Schildkraut, PhD, MPH
Duke Cancer Institute -
Prevention and Observation of Surgical Endpoints and Modifiers of Cancer Risk in BRCA1/2 Mutation Carriers (PROSE-Modifiers Studies) (Collaborative Studies of BRCA 1/2 Mutation Carriers)
NIH Contacts
EGRP/NCI:
PROSE Liaison:
Rao L. Divi, PhD
Timothy Rebbeck, PhD
Harvard University
Pancreatic Cancer
-
Pancreatic Cancer Case Control Consortium (PANC4)
NIH Contacts
EGRP/NCI:
PANC4 Liaison:
Gabriel Lai, PhDLead Investigator:
Alison Klein, PhD, MHS
Johns Hopkins University -
Pancreatic Cancer Genetic Epidemiology Consortium (PACGENE)
Since 2002
NIH Contacts
EGRP/NCI:
PACGENE Liaison:
Gabriel Lai, PhDLead Investigator:
Alison Klein, MHS, PhD
School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University
Prostate Cancer
-
Men of African Descent and Prostate Cancer (MADCaP)
Since 2007
NIH Contacts
EGRP/NCI:
MADCaP Liaison:
Danielle Daee, PhDDCEG/NCI:
Anne Hsing, PhDLead Investigator:
Timothy Rebbeck, PhD
Harvard University -
Prostate Cancer Association Group to Investigate Cancer Associated Alterations in the Genome (PRACTICAL)
Since 2007
NIH Contacts
EGRP/NCI:
PRACTICAL Liaison:
Danielle Daee, PhDLead Investigators:
Mark Brook (Coordinator)
The Institute of Cancer Research, UKRosalind Eeles, PhD
The Institute of Cancer Research, UKZsofia Kote-Jarai, PhD
The Institute of Cancer Research, UK -
Prostate Cancer Transatlantic Consortium (CaPTC)
Since 2005
NIH Contacts
EGRP/NCI:
CaPTC Liaison:
Danielle Daee, PhDLead Investigator:
Folakemi T. Odedina, PhD
Mayo Clinic
Skin Cancers
-
Keratinocyte Carcinoma Consortium (KeraCon)
Since 2014
NIH Contacts
EGRP/NCI:
TBDLead Investigators:
Martin Weinstock, MD, PhD
Brown UniversityLeah Ferrucci, PhD, MPH
Yale School of Public Health -
Melanoma Genetics Consortium (GenoMEL)
Since 1997
NIH Contacts
EGRP/NCI:
GenoMEL Liaison:
Danielle Mercatante Carrick, PhD, MHSDCEG/NCI:
Alisa Goldstein, PhDLead Investigators:
Peter Kanetsky
Moffitt Cancer CenterJulia Newton-Bishop, MD
Leeds Cancer Centre at St James's University Hospital, England
Testicular Cancer
-
Testicular Cancer Consortium (TECAC)
Since 2012
NIH Contacts
EGRP/NCI:
TECAC Liaison:
Krista A. Zanetti, PhD, MPH, RDLead Investigator:
Stephen M. Schwartz, PhD
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
Multiple Cancers
-
African-Caribbean Cancer Consortium (AC3)
Since 2006
NIH Contacts
EGRP/NCI:
AC3 Liaison:
Somdat Mahabir, PhD, MPHLead Investigator:
Camille Ragin PhD, MPH
Fox Chase Cancer Center -
Asia Cohort Consortium
Since 2004
NIH Contacts
Lead Investigators:
John Potter MD PhD
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research CenterDaehee Kang, MD, PhD
Seoul National University College of Medicine, Korea -
Comprehensive Oncologic Emergencies Research Network (CONCERN)
Since 2015
NIH Contacts
EGRP/NCI:
Nonniekaye Shelburne, CRNP, MS, AOCNNIGMS:
Jeremy Brown, MDLead Investigators:
Jeff Caterino, MD
The Ohio State UniversityCorita Grudzen, MD
NYU Langone Medical CenterDemetrious (Jim) Kyriacou, MD, PhD
Northwestern University -
Li-Fraumeni Exploration Consortium (LiFE)
Since 2010
NIH Contacts
EGRP/NCI:
LiFE Liaison:
Nonniekaye Shelburne, CRNP, MS, AOCNDCEG/NCI:
Sharon Savage, MDLead Investigators:
David Malkin, MD
University of TorontoJudy Garber, MD, MPH
Dana-Farber Cancer InstituteLouise Strong, MD
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterPierre Hainaut, PhD
International Agency for Research on CancerMaria Isabel Achatz, MD, PhD
Hospital A.C. Carmargo-Fundação Antonio Prudente, São Paulo, Brazil -
NCI Cohort Consortium
Since 2000
NIH Contacts
EGRP/NCI:
Rachel Hanisch, PhD, MPH (Executive Director)DCEG/NCI:
Mia Gaudet, PhD -
Radiogenomics Consortium (RGC)
Since 2009
NIH Contacts
EGRP/NCI:
Radiogenomics Consortium Liaison:
Nonniekaye Shelburne, CRNP, MS, AOCNDCEG/NCI:
Alice Sigurdson, PhDLead Investigators:
Barry Rosenstein, PhD
Mount Sinai School of MedicineCatharine West, PhD
University of Manchester School of Medicine
- EGRP - Epidemiology and Genomics Research Program
- CDC - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- DCB - Division of Cancer Biology
- DCEG - Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics
- NCI - National Cancer Institute
- NHGRI - National Human Genome Research Institute
- NIEHS - National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
- NIGMS - National Institute of General Medical Sciences
- NIH - National Institutes of Health
- OCS - Office of Cancer Survivorship
- OD - Office of the Director
Additional Research Consortia
A number of additional research consortia conduct research to better understand determinants of various health outcomes in human populations, which may influence cancer risk. Some of the collaborations in which EGRP staff participate include:
Role of EGRP in Consortia
EGRP fosters consortia through the following activities:
- Advising investigators on the formation of new consortia
- Advising consortia on policies and processes related to funding, data sharing, and collaborations
- As appropriate, participating on steering or executive committees or working groups.
Questions about EGRP and Consortia can be sent to NCIEpiCommunications@mail.nih.gov.
Data Sharing Expectations for Consortia
EGRP supports compliance with the NIH Data Sharing Policy and Genomic Data Sharing Policy. Data sharing is essential for expedited translation of research results into knowledge, products, and procedures to improve human health. To help investigators comply with these policies, NCI and NIH support a number of data repositories to help facilitate efficient data sharing, including the database of Genotypes and Phenotypes (dbGaP).