We performed quantitative scoring based on HMGB1 staining intensity by Fuji software and found that HMGB1 expression was significantly higher (p < 0.001) in tumor relative to normal tissues, representing about 86% (102/118) of all ESCC-paired cases (Fig. 2b and Supplementary Fig. 2b). This evidence concerns the gene HMGB1 and neoplasm.