In vitro and xenograft anti-tumor activity of a halogenated-xanthene against refractory pediatric solid tumors

A method of treating a pediatric cancerous solid tumor in a mammalian subject is disclosed that comprises intralesionally administering an amount of a halogenated xanthene or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, preferably Rose Bengal disodium, that elicits ablation of tumor cells of the administered tumor. Another contemplated method comprises the steps of intralesionally administering an amount of a halogenated xanthene or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, preferably Rose Bengal disodium, that elicits ablation of tumor cells of the administered tumor and systemically administering a tumor-inhibiting effective amount of a systemic anti-cancer medication that provides synergistic cytotoxicity with the halogenated xanthene. The two administrations can occur concurrently, or one prior to the other.