A TaqMan-based qRT-PCR assay was used for the divergent primer set to determine the levels of ITCH in 358 and 326 paired ESCC samples and matched non-cancerous tissues from eastern (Suzhou) and southern Chinese centers (Guangzhou), respectively, cir-ITCH was expressed at a higher level in approximately 70.1% (251/358 patients in the Suzhou cohort) and 71.2% (232/326 patients in the Guangzhou cohort) of the ESCC adjacent tissues compared to matched ESCC tissues (Figure 1B). The gene discussed is ITCH; the disease is esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.