Subsequently, these two variables were concurrently analyzed in a multivariate model, revealing that ECOG score (HR=2.32; 95% CI: 1.34-4.04; P=0.003) and IL-6 (HR=2.13; 95% CI: 1.21-3.75; P=0.009) independently predicted OS in ESCC patients (Table 4, Figure 5D). The gene discussed is IL6; the disease is esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.