Cancer Research Horizons makes one of the largest oesophageal cancer datasets available for commercial licensing

Cancer Research Horizons, the innovation engine of Cancer Research UK, is proud to announce the addition of the Oesophageal Cancer Clinical and Molecular Stratification (OCCAMS) study dataset to its growing portfolio of commercially licensable data assets. 

Developed by a team led by Professor Rebecca Fitzgerald at the University of Cambridge, the OCCAMS dataset represents one of the world’s largest and most comprehensive collections of clinically linked, multi-omics data from oesophageal adenocarcinoma patients. This unique resource includes clinical data from over 4,000 patients across 27 UK centres, encompassing demographic details, treatment regimens, responses, and outcomes, with follow up sometimes spanning more than a decade. With 500 of those patients being molecularly profiled generating matched tumour and normal whole genome sequencing, RNA sequencing and methylation arrays, to create a complex multi-modal dataset. 

Oesophageal cancer remains a significant health challenge in the UK, ranking as the 14th most common cancer and among the top five deadliest for both men and women (2017-19 data) and, unfortunately, continues to see a rapid rise in many Western countries, due to its link to the obesity epidemic.  

The OCCAMS dataset gives an overview of the evolution of oesophageal cancer at all stages of disease and in response to different treatments and thus has the potential to accelerate the development of new therapies and diagnostic approaches in the future.   

Professor Rebecca Fitzgerald, Head of the Department of Oncology and Director of the Early Cancer Institute at the University of Cambridge and Chief Investigator of OCCAMS, said: “This dataset was created by a dedicated group of clinicians and scientists who understand the disease and are passionate about improving outcomes for this deadly cancer. We want this data to be used by the academic and commercial community to make a difference.” 

Ethical approval and robust patient consent are in place, ensuring that the dataset can be used responsibly and impactfully in commercial partnerships. Parties interested in licensing the dataset for machine learning training, validation research or other applications are encouraged to submit a Data Access Request. 

This launch follows the successful release of the OPTIMAM and S:CORT datasets, with more high-value datasets expected soon, thanks to Cancer Research Horizons’ longstanding partnerships with leading UK research institutions. 

For more information on accessing the OCCAMS dataset or to learn more about Cancer Research Horizons’ approach to commercial data partnerships, please visit its data portfolio or contact Senior Business Development Executive, Joe Day. 

ENDS

All data partnerships adhere to Cancer Research Horizons’ Commercial Data Partnership Guiding Principles, ensuring safe and transparent use of patient-derived data with the primary aim of positive patient impact.

Cancer Research Horizons is the innovation engine of Cancer Research UK – the world's largest charitable funder of cancer research. It brings together world-leading minds, bold ideas and the right partners to bridge the gap between academic research and taking drugs to market. It focuses on the tougher, more profound ideas that can lead to true innovation, translating them into effective treatments and diagnostics for cancer patients. 

To date, it has played an instrumental role in forming over 90 start-ups. It has helped bring 14 cancer drugs to market, born out of Cancer Research UK's pioneering research. Through these drugs, it has enabled in excess of 6 million courses of treatment for cancer patients across the world. 

With access to Cancer Research UK's network of 4,000 exceptional researchers, and £400m of annual research spend, it is a powerful partner in the fight to conquer cancer. By uniting its commercial partnerships and therapeutic innovation capabilities, Cancer Research Horizons is uniquely placed to support translational funding, entrepreneurial development, data licensing and collaboration, spin-out creation, and offer a full spectrum of drug discovery and clinical capabilities. 

Every penny it makes goes back into funding the next bold steps, to help bring forward the day when all cancers are conquered. 

For more information and to get in touch with the team, visit cancerresearchhorizons.com.