VEGFA and esophageal cancer: NE, derived from activated neutrophils, could also promote the proliferation and progression of esophageal cancer cells by stimulating the release of cytokines, such as TGF-β, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and platelet-derived growth factor-AA (PDGF-AA), which could be blocked by NE inhibitor (sivelestat) (122).