Patrick Swayze is being treated in hospital for pneumonia, a television executive has announced.

Swayze, who has pancreatic cancer, was scheduled to appear at a Television Critics Association meeting in LA to speak about his new drama The Beast.

Robert DeBitetto, who is an executive of cable channel A&E, apologized on behalf of Swayze for his absence from the meeting: “Patrick has asked that I tell you that this morning he checked himself into the hospital for observation.

“Chemotherapy can take its toll on the immune system and illnesses are a part of that.

“Patrick wishes me to tell you that he’s very sorry he cannot attend but plans to get back to promoting The Beast soon.”

Swayze’s spokesperson confirmed Swayze was in hospital.