In this meta-analysis, we confirmed that PLCE1 rs2274223 was associated with an increase in the risk of ESCC under all the genetic models including the homozygous genetic model (OR = 1.46), heterozygous genetic model (OR = 1.25) and allelic genetic model (OR = 1.23). The gene discussed is PLCE1; the disease is esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.