Patrick Swayze is convinced fans' prayers and best wishes are helping him in his battle with pancreatic cancer.

The Dirty Dancing star has had an "excellent" response to treatment, according to Swayze's doctor George Fisher, and now the actor is hoping for the best.

A statement from Swayze and his wife Lisa Neimi, reads, "We're thrilled and grateful for the positive response Patrick has shown towards his treatment.

"We can't help but feel that all the prayers, meditations and good thoughts sent his way by everyone has made a difference."

Speaking to People, Fisher adds, "Patrick Swayze continues to respond well to his treatment for pancreatic cancer."

Initial reports suggesting Swayze was close to death prompted the 55-year-old to go public with his cancer battle.

He has been undergoing chemotherapy treatment at Stanford University Medical Center in northern California.