In agreement with the in vitro data, tumour size and weight were markedly reduced in the KYSE510-ShCTHRC1 group compared with the vector group (P < 0.0001, t-test, Fig. 3f), and KYSE450 cells with enhanced CTHRC1 expression formed significantly larger and heavier tumour xenografts compared to vector cells (P = 0.0002, t-test, Fig. 3g). The gene discussed is CTHRC1; the disease is neoplasm.