In this study, ESCC patients with low COL6A5 expression or high COL18A1 expression showed poor overall survival (Figs. 2C–2F), implying the expression of COL6A5 or COL18A1 as a potential indicator for the prognosis of ESCC patients. The gene discussed is COL18A1; the disease is esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.