The radio-sensitizing effect of xanthohumol is mediated by STAT3 and EGFR suppression in doxorubicin-resistant MCF-7 human breast cancer cells

► Xanthohumol sensitizes MCF-7/ADR cells to the radiation treatment. ► Xanthohumol significantly decreased anti-apoptotic proteins Bcl-2, Bcl-x/L and survivin. ► Xanthohumol increased DR4 and DR5 expression. ► Xanthohumol suppressed activity and expression levels of STAT3 and EGFR. ► The xanthohumol-induced changes were synergistically increased by gamma-ray treatment.