Ultraviolet enhances the sensitivity of pancreatic cancer cells to gemcitabine by activation of 5′ AMP-activated protein kinase

► We examined the synergistic effects of UV-C and gemcitabine in pancreatic cancer cells. ► Combination caused apoptosis and growth inhibition, while neither UV-C nor gemcitabine alone did. ► Combination also caused downregulation of EGF receptor and subsequent Akt pathway. ► This combination effect was mediated through activation of 5′ AMP-activated protein kinase.