In the recessive model, when the TERT-CLPTM1L rs401681 CC/CT genotypes were used as the reference group, the TT homozygote genotype was not associated with the risk for ESCC (adjusted OR  = 0.87, 95% CI  = 0.61–1.24, P = 0.447) (Table 2). The gene discussed is TERT; the disease is esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.