Highlights ► HB-EGF over-expression in A2780/Taxol, A2780/CDDP cells and the matched xenografts. ► CRM197 induces enhanced apoptosis in A2780/Taxol and A2780/CDDP cells. ► CRM197 arrests A2780/Taxol and A2780/CDDP cells at G0/G1 phase. ► CRM197 suppressed the A2780/Taxol and A2780/CDDP growth of xenografts.