The NHS drugs rationing body has ruled that a drug for pancreatic cancer that can extend lives of patients is too expensive to be given before other treatments have been tried.

Pancreatic cancer is often diagnosed late meaning patients often live for only two to six months.

The drug, nab-paclitaxel, also known as Abraxane, has been shown to extend life by an average of two months but some have survived for two years.

The guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence is out for consultation.

The drug is available in Wales and is under consideration in Scotland.

For more details, go to: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/11081589/New-drug-for-pancreatic-cancer-turned-down.html