Several studies have demonstrated that the p62‐Keap1‐Nrf2 pathway is not only involved in the progression of oncogenesis21, 22 but also mediates anticancer agent tolerance.23, 24 Although several studies have proved that constant activation of Nrf2 is involved in the radioresistance in multiple cancers,25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31 the role of p62‐Keap1‐Nrf2 pathway is still unclear, especially in ESCC. Here, KEAP1 is linked to esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.