GDC Data Portal API
GDC Data Portal API for discovering cancer genomics projects, cases, files, annotations, and biospecimen metadata from the National Cancer Institute Genomic Data Commons.
Connect this API to an AI agent Browse all specs
What you can do with GDC Data Portal API via MCP
Every endpoint below becomes a governed tool your AI agent (Claude, ChatGPT, or a customer-facing VX agent) can call — with scoped permissions, sandbox testing, and audit logs.
| Method | Path | Operation | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| GET | /projects |
get_projects | List GDC projects Method: GET Path: /projects IMPORTANT: This function has 0 REQUIRED parameter(s) and 3 OPTIONAL parameter(s) REQUIRED parameters MUST be provided OPTIONAL parameters can be omitted if not needed Parameters: Query Parameters: OPTIONAL: - size: Page size - from: Result offset - format: Response format |
| GET | /cases |
get_cases | Search GDC cases Method: GET Path: /cases IMPORTANT: This function has 0 REQUIRED parameter(s) and 3 OPTIONAL parameter(s) REQUIRED parameters MUST be provided OPTIONAL parameters can be omitted if not needed Parameters: Query Parameters: OPTIONAL: - size: Page size - from: Result offset - pretty: Pretty-print response |
| GET | /files |
get_files | Search GDC files Method: GET Path: /files IMPORTANT: This function has 0 REQUIRED parameter(s) and 3 OPTIONAL parameter(s) REQUIRED parameters MUST be provided OPTIONAL parameters can be omitted if not needed Parameters: Query Parameters: OPTIONAL: - size: Page size - from: Result offset - format: Response format |
| GET | /annotations |
get_annotations | Search GDC annotations Method: GET Path: /annotations IMPORTANT: This function has 0 REQUIRED parameter(s) and 2 OPTIONAL parameter(s) REQUIRED parameters MUST be provided OPTIONAL parameters can be omitted if not needed Parameters: Query Parameters: OPTIONAL: - size: Page size - from: Result offset |
Usage guide
Public GDC metadata and open-access file listings can be queried without a token. Controlled-access data requires an authorized user and current GDC authentication flow. Use the documented filters, pagination, and `Content-Type` headers, and do not assume controlled files are downloadable. Official documentation: https://docs.gdc.cancer.gov/API/Users_Guide/Getting_Started/
How to use this spec
- Create a free VX Agents account (sandbox tools included).
- Open the marketplace and connect “GDC Data Portal API” to an agent.
- Expose it as an MCP server for Claude/ChatGPT, or chat with it directly.