In the Cox regression model analysis, we found that the expression of GPX2 protein (P < 0.001, HR (95 % CI) = 5.700 (2.337 ~ 13.907)) and tumour histological grade (P = 0.01, HR (95 % CI) = 1.739 (1.143 ~ 2.646)) influenced on the long-term survival of ESCC patients, and were death risk factors of ESCC patients (Table 4). The gene discussed is GPX2; the disease is esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.