The International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) was established to coordinate large-scale cancer genome studies across 50 cancer types and subtypes globally. The goal is to systematically analyze over 25,000 cancer genomes at the genomic, epigenomic, and transcriptomic levels to identify oncogenic mutations, define clinically relevant subtypes, and develop new cancer therapies. Cancer genomes accumulate somatic mutations, including nucleotide substitutions, insertions, deletions, and chromosomal rearrangements, which can affect gene function. Some mutations, called 'driver' mutations, contribute to cancer development, while others, called 'passenger' mutations, are not directly involved but provide insights into DNA damage and repair processes. The ICGC aims to create comprehensive, high-quality catalogs of somatic mutations, including data on methylation and transcriptomic profiles, to accelerate cancer research and improve diagnosis and treatment. The consortium also emphasizes ethical considerations, including informed consent, data privacy, and the protection of sample donors. The ICGC has adopted a 'franchise' database model to manage and share data, with both open and controlled access levels. The consortium includes ten countries and two European consortia, with ongoing efforts to analyze 50 or more cancer types. The ICGC collaborates with the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and other initiatives to advance cancer research. The consortium also focuses on data release policies, ensuring rapid and ethical data sharing while protecting donor rights. The ICGC aims to translate genomic findings into clinical applications, including the development of new therapies and diagnostic tools. The consortium includes a wide range of scientific and clinical experts, with a focus on international collaboration and data integration. The ICGC is committed to advancing cancer research through coordinated efforts, ethical data management, and the development of new therapeutic strategies.The International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) was established to coordinate large-scale cancer genome studies across 50 cancer types and subtypes globally. The goal is to systematically analyze over 25,000 cancer genomes at the genomic, epigenomic, and transcriptomic levels to identify oncogenic mutations, define clinically relevant subtypes, and develop new cancer therapies. Cancer genomes accumulate somatic mutations, including nucleotide substitutions, insertions, deletions, and chromosomal rearrangements, which can affect gene function. Some mutations, called 'driver' mutations, contribute to cancer development, while others, called 'passenger' mutations, are not directly involved but provide insights into DNA damage and repair processes. The ICGC aims to create comprehensive, high-quality catalogs of somatic mutations, including data on methylation and transcriptomic profiles, to accelerate cancer research and improve diagnosis and treatment. The consortium also emphasizes ethical considerations, including informed consent, data privacy, and the protection of sample donors. The ICGC has adopted a 'franchise' database model to manage and share data, with both open and controlled access levels. The consortium includes ten countries and two European consortia, with ongoing efforts to analyze 50 or more cancer types. The ICGC collaborates with the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and other initiatives to advance cancer research. The consortium also focuses on data release policies, ensuring rapid and ethical data sharing while protecting donor rights. The ICGC aims to translate genomic findings into clinical applications, including the development of new therapies and diagnostic tools. The consortium includes a wide range of scientific and clinical experts, with a focus on international collaboration and data integration. The ICGC is committed to advancing cancer research through coordinated efforts, ethical data management, and the development of new therapeutic strategies.