Patrick Swayze has hit back at reports he is losing his battle with pancreatic cancer.

Since being diagnosed with the disease in January, the Dirty Dancing legend has continued to be active despite undergoing gruelling chemotherapy sessions.

But a US tabloid claimed last week that Patrick has begun "the countdown to the end" after being told the cancer had spread to his liver.

In a statement released to People, the actor insists he is still responding well to treatment and will continue to work.

He said, "I'm very proud of the work I've done on my new series The Beast, and I am happy to be back home for the holidays.

"The only thorn in my side being that many tabloids have been consistently reporting lies and false information about me and those close to me. And latest, they're reporting that I'm on my last legs and saying goodbye to my tearful family.

"Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive disease and from the moment I was diagnosed, I knew I was in for the fight of my life. It's a battle, and so far, I've been winning. I'm one of the lucky few that responds well to treatment.

"It's upsetting that the shoddy and reckless reporting from these publications cast a negative shadow on the positive and good fight I'm fighting. For me, my family, and those close to me, it amounts to downright emotional cruelty.

"That makes me angry when hope is so precious."

Last month, Patrick spoke publicly about his cancer treatment, calling chemotherapy "hell on wheels".