It revealed a significant correlation between increased MMP-14 and poor OS in gastric cancer patients (HR = 2.21, 95% CI: 1.76-2.77, P < 0.001), ESCC (HR = 2.01, 95% CI: 1.58-2.57, P < 0.001), HCC (HR = 2.14, 95% CI 1.35-2.19, P < 0.001), oral cancer (HR = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.30-3.20, P < 0.001) and other types of DSC (HR = 3.10, 95% CI 1.06-9.03, P < 0.001). The gene discussed is MMP14; the disease is esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.