reviewed 82 ESCC patients and found that the 3-year survival rate of patients with high serum VEGF levels (greater than 451 pg/mL) before treatment was significantly lower than that of patients with low VEGF levels (less than 451 pg/mL); the 3-year survival rates in those two groups were 13% and 54%, respectively (15). The gene discussed is VEGFA; the disease is esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.