CD274 and neoplasm: We did not compare its predictive performance with other established or emerging biomarkers in ESCC, such as PD-L1 combined positive score (CPS) or tumor mutational burden (TMB), as their assessment was beyond the scope of this retrospective analysis; (4) Only baseline GINI values were used without considering dynamic changes during treatment; (5) Although GINI demonstrates good comprehensive predictive capability, its specific predictive mechanisms in the context of nICT require further in-depth investigation; (6)The nICT regimen in this study included one of three different PD-1 inhibitors.