Recently, Academician Li Peng, Professor Dong Zigang, and Professor Liu Kangdong from Zhengzhou University (ZZU) has achieved significant progress in the study of the molecular mechanisms of esophageal cancer. The study explores the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of esophageal cancer induced by external stimuli (thermal stimulation and chemical carcinogens) and clarifies the specific functions of the lipid metabolism enzyme ACSL4 during the occurrence and progression of esophageal cancer. It further elaborates the mechanism by which ACSL4-mediated activation of the stress pathway p38 promotes the abnormal activation of the cell proliferation pathway ERK, thereby facilitating the development of esophageal cancer. The research aims to provide new directions for the prevention and treatment of esophageal cancer.