Moreover, we also observed that IGFBP3 expression was significantly decreased in ESCC tissues (n = 85) compared to adjacent nontumorous epithelia (n = 85) (Fig. 6H, I), implying that IGFBP3 exhibits antitumor properties in ESCC cells. The gene discussed is IGFBP3; the disease is esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.