To explore the status of HER-2 gene amplification and protein expression in Chinese esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients and its relationship with the clinicopathological parameters.Methods The HER-2 gene amplification was detected by FISH and protein expression by IHC in 96 patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma that would be followed up for 3 years.Results Three cases presented with 3 +,15 cases with 2 +,11 cases with 1 +,and 67 with negative by HER-2 immunohistochemical staining;2 of 3 cases presented with HER-2 amplification in in 3 +,1 case presented with over 6 HER-2 copy numbers.HER-2 amplification and HER-2 overexpression had significant correlation (P ＜ 0.000 1).HER2 amplification or overexpression was associated with clinicopathological parameters,such as,carcinomas without necrosis (P =0.012) and lower stage (P =0.040).There was better DFS or OS trend in patients with HER-2 overexpression or amplification,but the significant difference did not reached.Conclusion This research has demonstrated the correspondence between gene amplification and protein overexpression of HER-2 in ESCC.HER-2 gene overexpression or amplification is a potential better predictive parameter in ESCC,but needs further study.