Patrick Swayze smiling again after 'miracle' response to cancer treatment

The 55-year-old actor looked the healthiest he has been since he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in March, and has regained weight lost during months of gruelling treatment.

Swayze, still best known for his role in the 1987 movie Dirty Dancing, has responded so well that doctors have said he can return to work.

Thumbs up: Patrick Swayze at Los Angeles airport yesterday

The actor was jetting out to begin filming the television FBI show The Beast in Chicago. He is to play a veteran FBI agent in a U.S. TV series,

Asked about his health, he said: 'I am cookin'. I'm a miracle. I don't know why.'

It is understood Swayze underwent chemotherapy and pioneering Cyberknife radiotherapy - a laser which concentrates massive doses of radiation on to the tumour.

Back in business: A rejuvenated Swayze is working again

Frail, gaunt... and smoking

He was pictured looking frail after losing a stone and a half during the treatment process while restricted to a liquid diet.

Smoking did not help, either. But he recently revealed he has rebuilt his health by following a vitamin-rich diet and drinking fresh ginger root juice every day.

He said: 'My treatments are working and I am winning the battle.'

In March, it was reported that Swayze had been 'close to death'.

The actor was said to have as little as five weeks to live.

The disease, which was diagnosed in January, had already spread to his other vital organs, it was reported.

Pancreatic cancer sufferers typically have a survival rate of 5 per cent.

But because the cancer has spread around Swayze's body, he had an even lower chance of beating the disease, the National Enquirer initially reported.