This finding was consistent with the earlier observation that EGFR was overexpressed in 30–70% of ESCC cases.40 The expression of EGFR was reported to be significantly correlated with clinical stage, tumour invasion and poor prognosis.27–29,41 Similarly, our study indicated that EGFR expression was associated with T stage and poor prognosis. The gene discussed is EGFR; the disease is esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.