High-CLDN4 ESCC cells harbor stem-like properties and indicate for poor concurrent chemoradiation therapy response in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Background: Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is the major type of esophageal cancer in Asia and demonstrates poor survival rates following a therapeutic regimen.

Methods: Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are responsible for tumor initiation, progression, and treatment failure in cancers. Therefore, identification and characterization of CSCs may help to improve clinical outcomes for ESCC patients.