Velcade is one of several new treatments being fast-tracked

Brian Jago, from Hants, diagnosed with multiple myeloma - a blood cancer - in July 2003, was given a chemotherapy course and a stem cell transplant.

But the transplant failed. His doctor recommended for him the drug, Velcade.

But Southampton University Hospitals Trust "considered the likelihood of it working" and cancelled his treatment.

Mr Jago, who has four children and seven grandchildren, was due to undergo his first course of treatment on 25 November, before the trust intervened.

In a statement, the trust explained the decision was made after considering the drug's cost - which can run to �12,000 for a course of treatment - and the possible side effects.

The statement also pointed out that the National Institute for Clinical Excellence, which vets drugs in the UK, had not yet approved Velcade.

What have I got to lose, I know that I'm sitting on a time bomb and time is ticking away rapidly, this could be my last Christmas Brian Jago

Mr Jago said: "It was only really at the last minute that the consultant said 'I just can't believe it, they have turned it down'.

"They said there was insufficient evidence as to its efficacy. I just felt that it's a complete whitewash, a total smokescreen.

"When I went in for the stem cell transplant they said there would be so many adverse effects, but when your life is in the balance you are prepared to do that.

"What have I got to lose? I'm quite prepared to go ahead. I'm not prepared to sit here and say it's sad when someone tells me here is the first major breakthrough they have ever had in the treatment of multiple myeloma."

'Costs significant'

Mr Jago said his only alternatives were to take out a loan to fund the drug, costing about �5,000 for a single course, sell some of his possessions, or move to Wales or Scotland, where Velcade was NHS-funded.

"I know that I'm sitting on a time bomb and time is ticking away rapidly. This could be my last Christmas."

The trust also said there had to be a "threshold at which the evidence base around the efficacy and cost of a drug makes it appropriate to use".

It added: "It was noted in this meeting that the costs were significant and would remove funds from other areas, for example radiotherapy."

The Brockenhurst man's case was considered "at length" by an appeal panel but approval was not given.

"In the event of further trial evidence becoming available, the decision regarding the use of Velcade will be reviewed."