A RECOVERED prostate cancer patient who campaigned for a potentially life-extending drug to be used by the NHS says he is disappointed it looks set not to be.

Last month, Stuart Watson was nominated by the Prostate Cancer Charity to meet with officials from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence.

They were considering whether to recommend that the NHS give the drug abiraterone to men dying of prostate cancer.

Stuart was invited to give his views because he was diagnosed with the condition in 2004 and has since campaigned on behalf of those with the illness.

The institute has now published draft guidance recommending that the drug is not used, saying it is not good enough value for money.

But Stuart, 67, of Oakwood, said: "Trials of the drug have given a clear indication of its effectiveness, not only in extending life but also in improving the quality of men's lives when time is precious for them and their families."