In the dominant model, the TERT-CLPTM1L rs401681 CT/TT variants were associated with a 26% decreased risk of ESCC, compared with the TERT-CLPTM1L rs401681 CC genotype (adjusted OR  = 0.74, 95% CI  = 0.59–0.93, P = 0.009). The gene discussed is TERT; the disease is esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.