So N-stage is still a predominant prognostic factor, consistent with several previous studies.12–14 Positive expression of MYC and ANO1 has been found to be significantly correlated with poorer prognosis and suggested as potential biomarkers for ESCC patients.9, 10 In our three data sets, the expression values of ANO1 were high (>50) in only a small proportion of patients (6/77, 14/77 and 14/150, respectively). Here, MYC is linked to esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.