A PENSIONER had his leg saved after becoming one of 12 people to undergo pioneering cancer treatment.

Edward Mason, 68, who used to design prosthetic limbs for amputees, had a malignant melanoma in his left leg and was told he would need it amputated to stop the cancer spreading.

But the new technique, which involves cutting off the blood supply to limbs affected and blasting them with massive doses of a powerful new drug, enabled surgeons to treat the cancer without the need for amputation.

Mr Mason, of Tudor Gardens, West Wickham, said: “The treatment has been terrific and I feel very fortunate.

“From my work I know it is not the end of the world to lose a limb, but it is simply something you don't want to happen.”

The revolutionary technique was developed by surgeons at the world-renowned Royal Marsden Hospital in London.

First, blood is circulated around the limb, and the limb is heated.

A powerful new drug called TNF alpha, which breaks down the vessels supplying blood to cancerous tumours, is then injected into the blood stream of the limb.

The size and position of tumours in the legs of some cancer patients can mean it is impossible to operate and previously amputation has been the only answer.

Following the treatment, father of two Mr Mason was full of praise for the work of Royal Marsden Hospital.

He said: “They have been marvellous, I really can't speak too highly of them.

“They always treated me as an individual, never as just another patient.”

Chief surgeon Joseph Merion Thomas said: “It is very exciting to get results like these.”