EXCLUSIVE

Sources close to Brenner say the 78-year-old comedian has cancer that has been aggressive ... spreading rapidly.
We're told Brenner slipped into a coma this week ... and doctors don't expect him to pull through.
David sat on Carson's couch 158 times ... and even hosted the "Tonight Show" a few times.
He was also a frequent guest on Howard Stern's radio show.

4:00 PM PST -- Brenner's rep says the comedian passed away Saturday evening.