TMPRSS4 promotes metastasis in preclinical models,54 and two independent studies have demonstrated the prognostic value of TMPRSS4 in breast cancer.55, 56 Our analysis determined that ESCC patients with high TMPRSS4 expression had significantly shorter survival time than those with low expression (P<0.021). This evidence concerns the gene TMPRSS4 and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.