Abstract. CD133 has been identified as a putative neoplastic stem cell marker in esophageal carcinoma. However, the prognostic value of CD133 overexpression in patients with esophageal carcinoma remains controversial. A meta-analysis of previous studies was performed, in order to assess the association of CD133 overexpression with the clinicopathological characteristics of esophageal carcinoma patients. A total of 7 studies, including 538 patients, were subjected to the final analysis.