The expression of tumor-derived cytokine MIF and its receptor CXCR4 were significantly associated with poor survivals of patients with ESCC; and the MIF and CXCR4 expression levels in tumor cells were independent predictive factors of survivals in patients with ESCC, as were the MIF expression level in TILs. The gene discussed is MIF; the disease is esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.