The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the ERCC1-C8092A, ERCC1-C19007T and GSTP1-A105G genetic polymorphisms and the curative effect of cisplatin-based chemotherapy in advanced esophageal carcinoma. A total of 256 pathologically confirmed advanced esophageal carcinoma patients were given regimens of cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil. Clinical evaluations were obtained from 241 patients who completed the therapy. The remission rate of patients with ERCC1-C8092A, A/C or A/A was higher compared to that of patients with C/C (51.75 vs. 29.59%, P<0.01). Progression-free survival of patients with ERCC1-C8092A, A/C or A/A was longer compared to that of patients with C/C (7.5 months vs. 4.5 months, P<0.0001). The C19007T and GSTP1-A105G genetic polymorphisms were not positively correlated with remission rates and progression-free survival of patients. In conclusion, the ERCC1-C8092A genetic polymorphism may be correlated with the efficacy of cisplatin-based chemotherapy in cases of advanced esophageal carcinoma. Further studies with a larger sample size are needed for tailored chemotherapy treatment of advanced esophageal carcinoma.