In line with previous reports [10], KDM1A (p = 0.035, hazard ratio (HR) = 1.714, with 95% confidence interval (CI) ranging from 1.029 to 2.854), lymph node (LN) number (p < 0.0001, HR = 1.141, with 95% CI ranging from 1.088 to 1.196), UICC8 stage (p = 0.029, HR = 3.061, with 95% CI ranging from 1.947 to 4.811) and tumor relapse (p < 0.0001, HR = 2.916, with 95% CI ranging from 1.858 to 4.577) were all identified as independent prognostic markers for patients with ESCC (Fig. 1B). The gene discussed is KDM1A; the disease is esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.