ZNF154 and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: As shown in Fig. 1E, the 5-year PFS rate of the hypermethylated group was significantly lower compared to that of the hypomethylated group (11% vs 32.79%, P < 0.05), indicating a high possibility of relapse among ESCC patients with hypermethylated ZNF154 promoter within the 5-year follow-up period.