SNAI2 and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: Nevertheless, to our knowledge this is the first study demonstrating overexpression of Slug in early stage prior to development of frank malignancy, as well as in ESCC, that offers an opportunity for early detection and intervention for effective management of this disease, which otherwise has poor prognosis (overall 5-year survival ranges from 15-30%) particularly when detected in late stages.