Abstract: The present invention encompasses methods for reducing or inhibiting growth factor in cancer cells and tissues. More particularly immunogenic growth factor-containing compositions are administered to a human or animal with a cancer or tumor. The immunogenic compositions elicit the production of antibodies specific for growth factor which reduce the level of circulating growth factor, thus reducing or eliminating the proliferation of cancer. The present invention encompasses growth factor-containing liposomes and vesicles having portions of growth factor externally presented on their surfaces. The present invention also includes antibodies specific for growth factor. Thus, according to the present invention, growth factor levels are reduced either by active immunization of an individual using immunogenic growth factor-containing compositions or by passive immunization via administering to the individual an antibody or a group of antibodies specific for growth factor.