In lung cancer, mutations usually aren't inherited. Instead, the changes are what doctors call acquired mutations. They happen during your lifetime. Doctors use imaging techniques and lab tests, including biopsies, to diagnose NSCLC and identify specific genetic mutations in lung tissue, which allows for personalized treatment strategies. Whether you have a HER2 (ERBB2) mutation or other biomarkers, knowing your biomarker testing results can help determine the best treatment plan for you. If you've been diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), ask your doctor about how to get biomarker testing today. Common treatment approaches for NSCLC based on genetic mutations include: BRAF-positive lung cancer is commonly treated with targeted therapies such as dabrafenib and trametinib (drugs that specifically target this mutation) or immunotherapy. NSCLC caused by KRAS mutation is commonly treated with surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy. Extra copies of the MET gene and errors in the MET protein are two biomarkers that physicians look for in non-small cell lung cancer. Non-small cell lung cancer is linked to many genetic mutations. Discover 19 types and subtypes of lung cancer mutations, testing options, and treatments. Learn about the types of lung cancer, like small cell & non-small cell lung cancer, the different stages, how we diagnose lung cancer and test for cancer causing genes. Learn about targeted drugs for non-small cell lung cancer, which work differently than chemotherapy and tend to have different side effects. 9 ). Although the evidence to support routine HER2 testing in NSCLC is limited, the United States National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) 2025 guidelines recommend testing for rare oncogenic driver alterations (including HER2 mutations) for better therapeutic decision-making. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Laser therapy, photodynamic therapy, cryosurgery, and electrocautery may be used. Learn more about NSCLC in this expert-reviewed summary.