PARENTS of a five-year-old cancer patient have been left devastated by news that his treatment has failed.

Anthony and Nicola Marsland, of Kingsmead, were dealt the heart-breaking blow on Friday and realise they are running out of options to save their little boy's life.

Son Jacob was given just a 20 per cent chance of survival after being diagnosed with Neuroblastoma - a rare and aggressive form of childhood cancer - last January.

Sadly the Hartford Manor pupil did not respond to chemotherapy and his latest course of intensive radiation treatment has also failed.

Dad Anthony, 42, said doctors in the UK have now tried everything they can, and cannot remove the primary 15cm tumour by Jake's spine because the cancer is still in his bones.

He said: "When we got the phone call we were numb, shocked and very disappointed as we had very high hopes for this treatment and really thought it might help Jacob get to remission. He's put up with so much during the past year and he deserved better news than this.

"We will have a meeting with Jacob's consultant at Alder Hey hospital to discuss what, if any, options there are remaining. We're dreading this, having to sit and listen to someone tell you whether your child can be treated or not is indescribable."

In a cruel twist of fate, the brave youngster is already back in hospital with an infection in his Hickman Line - the tube attached to a main artery to infuse medication.

He was rushed in by ambulance after developing a soaring temperature and tremors last week.

And to make matters worse, he has had a severe allergic reaction to the only antibiotic that can treat the infection, meaning doctors have no choice but to continue with the treatment.

"We just want Jacob home," Anthony said. "We have managed to pick ourselves up as we have no choice but to stay hopeful and keep looking forward for his sake.

"We believe, as many people do, that staying happy and having a positive frame of mind is very important. If Jacob stays happy we feel he has a better chance of fighting his cancer."

This latest set of results means it is now almost certain that Jake will need a £250,000 pioneering treatment in the US. It is only offered in New York and could be the lifeline he so desperately needs.

So far the public has raised more than £40,000 towards the cost, but there is still a long way to go.

To make a donation or if you would like to raise funds yourself, visit northwichguardian.co.uk.