Compositions and methods for treating cancer and hyperproliferative disorders

Compositions and methods effective for eliciting an immune response for inhibiting abnormal or undesirable cell proliferation, particularly endothelial cell proliferation and angiogenesis related to neovascularization and tumor growth are provided. The compositions comprise a naturally occurring or synthetic protein, peptide, or protein fragment containing all or an active portion of a growth factor in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The preferred growth factors comprise basic fibroblast growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor. The methods involve administering to a human or animal the compositions described herein in a dosage sufficient to elicit an immune response. The methods are useful for treating diseases and processes mediated by undesired and uncontrolled cell proliferation, such as cancer, particularly where uncontrolled cell proliferation is influenced by the presence of growth factors. Administration of the composition to a human or animal having metastasized tumors is useful for preventing the growth or expansion of such tumors.