Extracellular matrix (ECM) hydrogel and soluble fraction thereof for the treatment of cancer

Methods are disclosed for reducing the proliferation of a tumor cell, increasing apoptosis of a tumor cell, and/or decreasing migration of a tumor cell. These methods include contacting the tumor cell with an effective amount of solubilized ECM or a soluble fraction of extracellular matrix (ECM), thereby reducing the proliferation of the tumor cell, increasing apoptosis of the tumor cell, and/or decreasing migration of the tumor cell. Methods are also disclosed for treating a subject with a tumor. The methods include administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition comprising a soluble fraction of an ECM and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, thereby treating the tumor in the subject. In specific non-limiting examples, the tumor is a glioma and/or the ECM hydrogel is a urinary bladder ECM hydrogel.