Multivariate Cox analysis indicated that ASPP2 was an independent predictor of OS [hazard ratio (HR): 0.541, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.363–0.804] and DFS (HR: 0.599, 95% CI 0.404–0.888) of ESCC patients and that P53 was an independent predictor of DFS (HR: 2.161, 95% CI 1.100–4.245). The gene discussed is TP53; the disease is esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.