AREG encodes the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) ligand amphiregulin, an often-upregulated prognostic marker in several types of human cancer.65–69 The methylation of AREG has been associated with survival in patients with astrocytoma.69 The protein product of CYFIP2 is involved in p53-dependent apoptosis induction.70 Decreased expression of CYFIP2 can promote cancer cell growth in vitro71 and has been reported in gastric cancer.72 The roles of UBXN10 and NECAB2 in ESCC progression remain to be elucidated. Here, NECAB2 is linked to astrocytoma (excluding glioblastoma).