Abstract Background: The hemoglobin, albumin, lymphocyte, and platelet (HALP) score is a composite biomarker that reflects the nutritional and inflammatory status. However, the prognostic value of baseline HALP scores in patients with esophageal cancer (EC) or gastro-esophageal junction cancer (GEC) remains incompletely defined. Aim: To systematically evaluate the association between baseline HALP scores and survival outcomes in EC or GEC through a meta-analysis.