David Foster
Executive Director of Client Services
18+ Years Mesothelioma Advocacy | 20 Years Pharmaceutical Industry | Host of MESO Podcast
Personal Connection
In 1999, David's father—a dentist who worked his way through college as a mason—died of asbestos lung cancer. His father had commonly mixed asbestos into mortar while building fireplaces, a standard industry practice that ultimately proved fatal.
Articles by David
KEYNOTE-483 and the September 2024 FDA Approval Reshaping First-Line Mesothelioma Treatment (2026)
KEYNOTE-483 added pembrolizumab to chemo, extending pleural mesothelioma median survival to 17.3 months. What the Sept 2024 FDA approval means in 2026.
Mesothelioma Latency: How a 2026 Diagnosis Maps to 1960s–1980s Asbestos Exposure (Median 44.6 Years)
Median mesothelioma latency is 44.6 years (Italian ReNaM). A 2026 diagnosis usually traces to 1960-1985 asbestos exposure. How to identify the source.
2,669 U.S. Mesothelioma Cases and 30,633 Globally: Latest SEER, CDC, and WHO/IARC Data (2025–2026)
CDC USCS confirms 2,669 new U.S. mesothelioma cases in 2022. IARC GLOBOCAN 2022 counts 30,633 globally. A guide to current incidence and mortality data.
Latest Treatment Advances for Malignant Mesothelioma (2025–2026): 4 Approved Regimens, 1 Year of Change
Four FDA-approved first-line regimens, MARS2 reshaped surgery, CheckMate 743 5-year data — the 2025–2026 mesothelioma treatment landscape, explained.
What to Expect at Your First Mesothelioma Doctor Appointment: 8 Essentials to Plan For
First mesothelioma appointment guide: 8 essentials — records to bring, who is on your team, tests done, questions to ask, second-opinion timing.
Dr. William Edmund Cooke and the Naming of Asbestosis: How a 1924 Autopsy Created Medicine's Asbestos Reckoning
William Edmund Cooke autopsied Nellie Kershaw (1924) and coined 'pulmonary asbestosis' (1927). History that established corporate notice of asbestos disease.
Mesothelioma Long-Term Survivors: 7 Patient Patterns From People Living 10+ Years
About 5% of pleural and 39% of peritoneal mesothelioma patients reach 10 years. Here are the 7 clinical patterns that long-term survivors share.
Mesothelioma Second-Line Treatment 2026: 4 Evidence-Based Pathways After First-Line Therapy
After first-line chemo or immunotherapy fails, mesothelioma patients have 4 evidence-based 2L options. Gemcitabine-ramucirumab leads with 13.8-month OS.
HIPEC for Peritoneal Mesothelioma: Who Qualifies and What to Expect in 2026
HIPEC plus cytoreductive surgery is the standard of care for peritoneal mesothelioma. Eligibility, the day-of procedure, and 90-day recovery — explained.
Gene Therapy for Mesothelioma: 5 Approaches in 2026 Clinical Research
Gene therapy for mesothelioma spans 5 clinical approaches and 1 Phase 3 trial. Compare HSV-tk, interferon, ONCOS-102, TUSC2, and CAR-T research in 2026.
Expert Panel Recap: When Surgery Still Matters for Pleural Mesothelioma in 2026
Review 2026 expert consensus on pleural mesothelioma surgery, including P/D vs EPP data, patient selection, and perioperative immunotherapy trials.
ECOG Performance Status in Mesothelioma: How 1 Score Shapes Your Treatment Options
Your ECOG performance status score is the single strongest predictor of mesothelioma survival. Learn how ECOG 0-4 scores determine treatment eligibility, including surgery, immunotherapy, and clinical trials.
11 Peer-Reviewed Studies Document Why Mesothelioma Diagnosis Takes 6+ Months
A medical literature review of 11 peer-reviewed studies analyzing mesothelioma diagnostic delays averaging 6.5 months, pathology error rates of 33% to 65% at non-specialist centers, and the survival impact of late detection.
Cancer Caregiver Stress Statistics: 8 Widely Cited Claims Traced to Primary Research Sources
Source verification audit of 8 common caregiver stress claims. 3 are misquoted, 2 lack context, 3 are verified. What mesothelioma families should trust.
8 Mesothelioma Diagnostic Biomarkers Advancing Early Detection in 2026
Only 1 FDA-approved mesothelioma blood test exists. 8 biomarkers are advancing early detection in 2026. Review the science.
Extrapleural Pneumonectomy (EPP): 46% Five-Year Survival in Selected Mesothelioma Patients
EPP achieves 46% five-year survival in optimal candidates. 3-7% operative mortality. Guide to patient selection, outcomes, and the EPP vs P/D debate.
The Mesothelioma Patient and Caregiver Experience: 50% Face Anxiety, 75% of Caregivers Report Health Decline
50% of mesothelioma patients face anxiety, 75% of caregivers report health decline. Mental health, financial toxicity, and support resources.
Pleural Effusion and Mesothelioma: Why Fluid Buildup Is Often the First Sign
Pleural effusion is the first symptom in 80-90% of pleural mesothelioma cases. Learn why fluid recurrence signals cancer and treatment options for 2026.
Mesothelioma Misdiagnosis: How Often It Happens and What to Do in 2026
Up to 25% of mesothelioma patients receive an incorrect initial diagnosis. Learn the most common misdiagnoses, how pathology errors happen, and 5 steps to confirm your diagnosis.
7 Steps to File an Asbestos Exposure Claim: From Diagnosis to Compensation in 2026
Learn the 7 critical steps to file an asbestos exposure claim in 2026, from medical diagnosis through compensation. Average mesothelioma settlements exceed $1 million with proper legal representation.
What Lawyers Specializing in Asbestos Cancer Cases Actually Do: 7 Critical Services
Discover exactly what mesothelioma lawyers do for clients, from investigating decades-old exposure to filing trust fund claims. 95% of cases settle, averaging $1.2 million in 2026.
93+ Active Mesothelioma Clinical Trials: Your 2026 Eligibility and Enrollment Guide
Find out if you qualify for mesothelioma clinical trials in 2026. Detailed eligibility criteria, biomarker requirements, ECOG scores, enrollment steps, and insurance coverage explained by an 18-year patient advocate.
Stage 3 Mesothelioma in 2026: 5 Treatment Paths, Survival Data, and What Your Diagnosis Means
Stage 3 pleural mesothelioma survival data broken down by cell type, treatment, and prognostic factors. Median OS 15-19 months with surgery; 14% 5-year survival with immunotherapy. 5 treatment paths explained for 2026.
CAR-T Cell Therapy for Mesothelioma: 72% Response Rate in MSKCC Phase I Trial and 5 Active 2026 Studies
Mesothelin-targeted CAR-T therapy reached a 72% response rate when combined with pembrolizumab at MSKCC. Learn how engineered T cells are changing mesothelioma treatment in 2026.
Mesothelioma Genetic Testing: 7 Reasons Your Family Should Screen for BAP1 Mutations
BAP1 mutations increase mesothelioma risk by over 1,600x. Learn who should get genetic testing, what screening involves, costs, and how results affect treatment.
Mesothelioma Blood Tests: 7 Biomarkers That Could Detect Cancer Years Earlier
Learn about MESOMARK, SOMAmer, fibulin-3, and other mesothelioma blood tests that may detect cancer earlier. Only one is FDA-approved — here's what each test can do.
ASCO Updates Mesothelioma Guidelines: Immunotherapy Doubles 5-Year Survival to 14% as Standard of Care
ASCO's 2025 guideline update makes dual immunotherapy the standard first-line treatment for mesothelioma. Review survival data, eligibility, and next steps.
Understanding Your Mesothelioma Pathology Report: 3 Key Findings That Shape Your Treatment Plan
Learn how to read your mesothelioma pathology report. Understand cell type, staging, and biomarkers that determine treatment options and prognosis.
Mesothelioma Clinical Trials Compared: How 8 Active Studies Stack Up in 2026
Compare 8 mesothelioma clinical trials in 2026 including CheckMate 743 5-year data showing 14% long-term survival. Side-by-side results, eligibility, and enrollment.
TTFields for Mesothelioma: NovoTTF-100L Tumor Treating Fields Explained
TTFields therapy with Optune Lua achieved 18.2-month median survival in the STELLAR trial. Learn how this FDA-approved device works for mesothelioma treatment in 2026.
Pericardial Mesothelioma: Only 200 Cases of This Rare Heart Cancer With 6-Month Median Survival
Pericardial mesothelioma accounts for less than 1% of mesothelioma cases with only 200-350 documented cases. Learn about diagnosis, trimodality treatment, and survival rates in 2026.
Testicular Mesothelioma: Rarest Form Affects 1% of Cases With Unique Treatment and Legal Options
Testicular mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis accounts for less than 1% of all mesothelioma cases. Learn about diagnosis, surgery, survival rates, and compensation in 2026.
Immunotherapy and Older Mesothelioma Patients: Real-World Data Shows 25% Lower Survival vs. Clinical Trials
Real-world data reveals older mesothelioma patients on immunotherapy survive 25% less than clinical trial participants. Learn what the gap means for treatment decisions.
How to Evaluate Mesothelioma Treatment Centers: 4 Criteria That Predict Better Outcomes
Learn how surgical volume, NCI designation, and published outcomes data help mesothelioma patients choose the right treatment center. Evidence-based evaluation framework for 2026.
Defactinib for Mesothelioma: 344-Patient COMMAND Trial and What FAK Inhibitors Mean in 2026
Defactinib (VS-6063) FAK inhibitor showed HR 0.56 in merlin-low mesothelioma patients. Learn about COMMAND trial results, biomarkers, and combination trials.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma After CRS/HIPEC: 5-Year Survival Reaches 77% in 2026 Data
CRS/HIPEC surgery for peritoneal mesothelioma extends median survival from under 12 months to 38–103 months. 2026 data shows 5-year survival up to 77% in selected patients.
Mesothelioma Clinical Trial Pipeline 2026: 30+ Studies Reshaping Treatment After Nivolumab
The 2026 mesothelioma clinical trial pipeline features 30+ active studies in CAR-T therapy, EZH2 inhibitors, ADCs, cancer vaccines, and proton beam therapy — offering new options for patients beyond nivolumab.
Mesothelioma Treatment Comparison 2026: 3 Options That Change Your Odds
The 2025 ASCO guideline now recognizes 3 first-line mesothelioma regimens. Compare surgery, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy outcomes using CheckMate 743 five-year data and 2024 FDA approvals.
Radiation Therapy for Mesothelioma: 3 Primary Uses and What to Expect
Radiation therapy treats mesothelioma in 3 roles — adjuvant post-surgery, palliative symptom relief, and prophylactic port-site prevention. Learn when it's recommended and what side effects to expect.
Opdivo Injectable for Mesothelioma: 5-Minute Treatment Replaces Hour-Long Infusions
The FDA approved a subcutaneous Opdivo formulation that takes 5 minutes instead of 60. Learn how this new nivolumab injection changes treatment for mesothelioma patients.
Mesothelioma Clinical Trial Finder: 7 Steps to Find and Enroll in Studies
Over 200 active mesothelioma clinical trials are enrolling patients. Learn how to find the right trial, determine eligibility, and enroll—with a step-by-step guide from diagnosis to first appointment.
Johns Hopkins Perioperative Immunotherapy: 5 Breakthroughs for Mesothelioma Patients
Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center's perioperative immunotherapy trials show 80% surgical completion and extended survival for mesothelioma patients. Learn who qualifies.
Pleurectomy vs. Extrapleural Pneumonectomy: 5-Year Survival Rates & Recovery Timelines for Mesothelioma
Compare pleurectomy/decortication (P/D) vs extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) for mesothelioma. Median survival, operative risks, recovery, and which patients benefit most.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Treatment in 2026: 5-Year Survival Rates Reach 59% With CRS-HIPEC
Peritoneal mesothelioma treatment 2026: CRS-HIPEC surgery pushes 5-year survival to 59%, median 4-8 years. Plus emerging immunotherapy and PIPAC options.
Asbestos-Related Lung Cancer Is 2-6x More Common Than Mesothelioma: 2026 Guide
Asbestos causes lung cancer 2-6x more often than mesothelioma. Learn diagnosis, latency, treatment options, and compensation for asbestos-related lung cancer.
Mesothelioma Staging Explained: How 4 Stages Determine Treatment Options and 5-Year Survival Rates
Learn how mesothelioma stages 1-4 affect treatment options and survival rates. Stage 1 patients have 46% five-year survival vs 5% at stage 4.
UV1 Cancer Vaccine Receives FDA Fast Track for Mesothelioma: 23-Month Survival Data Explained
UV1 telomerase vaccine earned FDA Fast Track designation for mesothelioma. Learn about the NIPU trial's 23-month survival data and what it means for patients.
7 Evidence-Based Mesothelioma Pain Management Options: From Medication to Cordotomy
Explore 7 mesothelioma pain management strategies including medication, radiotherapy, and cordotomy. Expert-backed palliative care options to improve quality of life.
CRS-HIPEC for Peritoneal Mesothelioma: 53-Month Median Survival and 47% Five-Year Rate
CRS-HIPEC (cytoreductive surgery + hyperthermic chemotherapy) achieves 53-month median survival and 47% five-year survival for peritoneal mesothelioma patients. Learn candidacy, outcomes, and leading treatment centers.
Epithelioid vs. Sarcomatoid vs. Biphasic: 3 Mesothelioma Cell Types That Determine Your Prognosis
Compare epithelioid, sarcomatoid, and biphasic mesothelioma cell types. Learn how histology affects prognosis, treatment options, and survival rates.
U.S. Mesothelioma Deaths Decline 33%: 21-Year Analysis of 54,905 Deaths
CDC data shows U.S. mesothelioma mortality dropped from 8.5 to 5.7 per million over 21 years. Analysis of 54,905 deaths reveals demographic and regional trends.
Mesothelioma Survival Factors 2026: How Age, Gender, and Cell Type Shape Your Prognosis
Research shows epithelioid mesothelioma patients survive 2-3x longer than sarcomatoid. Learn how age, gender, cell type, and stage affect 2026 prognosis data.
CAR T-Cell Therapy for Mesothelioma: NCI's $10.7 Million Research Initiative Targets 63.6% Response Rate
NCI awards $10.7M to Penn for CAR T-cell therapy targeting mesothelin in mesothelioma. Explore clinical data, eligibility, and breakthrough cell immunotherapy.
ATOMIC-Meso Trial: ADI-PEG20 Quadrupled 3-Year Survival Rates in Mesothelioma Breakthrough
Phase 3 ATOMIC-Meso trial results show pegargiminase (ADI-PEG20) quadrupled 3-year survival rates in mesothelioma. Learn how arginine deprivation therapy works, eligibility, and access to this breakthrough treatment.
VT3989 Achieves 32% Response Rate in Mesothelioma: First Hippo Pathway Drug Nears FDA Approval
VT3989 shows 32% response rate and 86% disease control in refractory mesothelioma. Learn about this first-in-class TEAD inhibitor's path to FDA approval and clinical trial access.
BAP1 Gene Mutations and Mesothelioma: How Genetic Testing Can Improve Your Prognosis
BAP1 gene mutations are linked to better mesothelioma outcomes and hereditary cancer risk. Learn how genetic testing in 2026 can guide treatment decisions and improve survival rates.
Mayo Clinic Mesothelioma Program: Comprehensive Care & Clinical Trials Across 3 Campuses
Mayo Clinic's #1-ranked mesothelioma program delivers multidisciplinary treatment with access to clinical trials across Rochester, Phoenix, and Jacksonville locations.
Brigham and Women's Hospital: 40+ Years Pioneering Mesothelioma Surgery With 51% 5-Year Survival
Brigham and Women's Hospital mesothelioma treatment program offers 51% 5-year survival rates through pioneering surgery, clinical trials, and multimodal care in Boston.
Mesothelioma Surgery Options 2026: EPP vs P/D and Emerging Techniques
Compare EPP and P/D surgery for mesothelioma, understand survival rates, and learn about emerging surgical techniques. Expert guide to choosing the right procedure for your diagnosis.
Pleural vs Peritoneal Mesothelioma: Key Differences in Symptoms, Treatment, and Prognosis
Compare pleural mesothelioma (lung lining, 80% of cases) vs peritoneal mesothelioma (abdominal, 15-20%). Learn how location affects symptoms, treatment options, and survival rates.
Mesothelioma vs Lung Cancer: 7 Key Differences in Diagnosis, Causes, and Treatment
Mesothelioma and lung cancer differ in 7 critical ways including cell origin, causes, treatment, and prognosis. Learn how correct diagnosis affects treatment and compensation.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Mesothelioma Care: New York's Leading Treatment Center in 2026
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center offers pioneering mesothelioma surgery, immunotherapy, and clinical trials. Learn about MSK's treatment approach, specialists, and how to become a patient.
MD Anderson Mesothelioma Program: What Patients Need to Know Before Treatment in 2026
MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston offers world-class mesothelioma treatment with pioneering surgical techniques and clinical trials. Learn what to expect and how to access care.
Mesothelioma Treatment Costs in 2026: Surgery, Chemotherapy, and Financial Planning
Understanding mesothelioma treatment costs—from $150,000+ for surgery to $10,000/month for immunotherapy. Learn about insurance coverage, financial assistance, and compensation options.
Immunotherapy for Mesothelioma: How Keytruda and Opdivo Are Changing Treatment in 2026
FDA-approved Opdivo + Yervoy now has 5-year data: 14% long-term survival vs 6% with chemo. Learn who qualifies for mesothelioma immunotherapy in 2026.
Mesothelioma Treatment Options in 2026: 56+ Clinical Trials, Immunotherapy & Survival Breakthroughs
Explore the best mesothelioma treatment options in 2026, including 56+ active clinical trials, immunotherapy advances, and targeted therapies like pegargiminase that are improving survival rates.
Mesothelioma Treatment Centers 2026: Top 6 Specialized Facilities in the US
These 6 specialized mesothelioma treatment centers offer access to expert surgeons, clinical trials, and significantly better postoperative outcomes than general hospitals. Learn what makes each center unique.
Mesothelioma Lawyers Who Come to You: In-Home and Hospital Consultations
Too sick to travel? Learn how mesothelioma attorneys provide free home visits, hospital consultations, and remote legal services nationwide for patients and families.
Mesothelioma Survival Rates 2026: Statistics by Stage, Type, and Treatment
Current mesothelioma survival statistics by stage, cell type, and treatment approach. Understand prognosis factors and how modern treatments are improving outcomes.
First 30 Days After Mesothelioma Diagnosis: 12 Critical Steps and Deadlines
The first 30 days after mesothelioma diagnosis are crucial. This action checklist covers medical, legal, and financial steps you must take to protect your health and maximize compensation.
Understanding Your Mesothelioma Diagnosis: Staging, Types, and Prognosis in 2026
Learn what your mesothelioma diagnosis means. Guide to 4 stages, 3 cell types, pleural vs peritoneal differences, and how these factors affect treatment options and prognosis.
From Personal Tragedy to 5,000+ Families Served
David Foster's journey to mesothelioma advocacy began with devastating personal loss. In 1999, his father died of asbestos lung cancer at far too young an age. The exposure source was unexpected: his father had worked his way through college as a mason, learning the trade from his own father and grandfather. They commonly mixed asbestos into mortar to make it sticky—a standard industry practice that ultimately proved fatal.
"My mom lost her partner, I lost a mentor, and my children will never have the opportunity to meet their beloved grandpa who wanted to build them wooden toys or cedar chests. He died way too early, and it changed me and my family forever."
This loss became the catalyst for a complete career transformation. Over 18 years of dedicated service, David has personally consulted with more than 5,000 families facing asbestos-related diagnoses.
Pharmaceutical Industry Background
Before joining Danziger & De Llano, David built an extensive career in the pharmaceutical industry spanning 20 years:
- Regional Director of National Accounts
- Testing and Product Development Manager
- Government Healthcare Specialist for DOD, VA, and Indian Health Services
- Healthcare Fraud Consultant helping states uncover Medicaid fraud
This background proves invaluable in helping families understand clinical trial processes, drug approval pathways, insurance systems, and government healthcare programs.
Direct Relationships with Leading Specialists
David has made it his mission to personally meet with top mesothelioma specialists worldwide. He consistently attends every major national and international mesothelioma meeting to stay current on the latest treatment protocols and research.
His professional network includes relationships with leading physicians such as:
- Dr. Jacques Fontaine — Head of the Mesothelioma Treatment Center at Moffitt Cancer Center
- Dr. Luis Argote-Greene — Internationally recognized thoracic surgeon at Cleveland Clinic
MESO: The Mesothelioma Podcast
David hosts MESO: The Mesothelioma Podcast, a supportive and medically informed show dedicated to helping families navigate life after a mesothelioma diagnosis. The podcast brings together voices of doctors, survivor stories, caregiver perspectives, and leading experts discussing the latest research.
365-Day Availability
Mesothelioma doesn't pause for weekends or holidays, and neither does David Foster. He and his team maintain 7-day-a-week availability for client support, recognizing that families facing terminal illness diagnoses need help when crises arise.
"Every time I get a call from a family needing help, I think about the horrible way my dad died and how he suffered. This is by far and away the most rewarding job I've ever had."
Comprehensive Support Services
David built the client services program to address every aspect of a family's needs:
- Locating the best mesothelioma treatment facilities in each patient's area
- Facilitating travel assistance and grants for specialized care
- Connecting families with clinical trial opportunities
- Helping veterans access VA benefits
- Explaining Social Security disability options
- Ensuring access to the $30+ billion in asbestos bankruptcy trust funds
Schedule a Free Consultation
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