Collectively, TMEM161B‐AS1, miR‐23a‐3p and HIF1AN may be tightly involved in ESCC development and progression as well as patients’ prognosis, and TMEM161B‐AS1/miR‐23a‐3p/HIF1AN signal axis may be a promising target for the treatment of ESCC patients. This evidence concerns the gene TMEM161B and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.