The present invention generally relates to the field of cancer and methods and compositions for cancer immunotherapy. In one embodiment, a method for treating cancer in a patient comprises the steps of (a) administering at or near the cancer site an effective amount of a composition that promotes a therapeutic immune response to the cancer; and (b) ablating the cancer. In another embodiment, a method for treating an abnormal cellular proliferation in a patient comprises the steps of (a) administering at or near the site of the abnormal cellular proliferation an effective amount of a composition that promotes a therapeutic immune response to the abnormal cellular proliferation comprising (i) a polymeric particle; and (ii) optionally one or more therapeutic agents encapsulated in or incorporated on or into the polymeric particle; and (b) ablating the abnormal cellular proliferation.