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  7. BRAF and Lung Cancer

BRAF and Lung Cancer

Testing for biomarkers, such as BRAF, helps your doctor understand your lung cancer and choose the best possible treatment for you.

At a Glance:

  • BRAF is a lung cancer biomarker.
  • Biomarker testing can help identify treatment options.
  • You can ask for testing at diagnosis or if treatment stops working.

Frequently Asked Questions about Biomarker Testing

What Is BRAF-Positive Lung Cancer?

BRAF is the name of both a gene and a protein. The BRAF protein helps control cell growth. When there is a mutation in the BRAF gene, it creates an abnormal protein that sends signals that lead to uncontrolled cell growth and cancer. The BRAF protein works with another protein called MEK to regulate the growth of cells.

BRAF‑positive lung cancer refers to tumors with a BRAF alteration, which may include mutations (such as V600E), fusions, or other structural changes in the BRAF gene. These alterations can drive cancer growth and may be treated with targeted therapies depending on the specific BRAF subtype. 

There are different mutations within BRAF, but the only one with FDA‑approved targeted treatments in lung cancer is BRAF V600E. The BRAF V600E mutation is a specific change in the BRAF protein that causes it to remain constantly active. When BRAF is always “on,” it continuously activates the downstream MEK protein in the MAPK pathway. This is why doctors often discuss MEK when talking about therapies that target BRAF‑mutated lung cancer. 

BRAF-positive lung cancer is relatively uncommon, occurring in about 4% of non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC). These mutations are most frequently found in adenocarcinoma non-small cell lung cancer. The specific BRAF V600E mutation occurs in about 1-2% of NSCLC patients. 


In this video, Dr. Karen Kelly explains what a BRAF-V600E fusion is in lung cancer. This video was produced in 2020. For the latest treatment options, speak with your doctor.

Video transcript

Why Biomarker Testing Matters

Biomarker testing matters for BRAF‑positive lung cancer is important because it identifies the specific BRAF alteration driving the tumor, determines whether targeted therapies, such as those for BRAF V600E, are appropriate, and helps guide personalized treatment planning. 

Biomarker testing looks for specific genetic changes in the tumor to help guide treatment. Testing includes DNA-based tests to identify changes in the genes themselves, and RNA-based tests to measure how those genes behave, giving your care team a fuller picture of your tumor makeup and available treatment options.

When and How BRAF Testing Is Done

Testing is usually done at diagnosis or when treatment changes. Your doctor will need to test your tumor through a tissue or blood (liquid) biopsy. There are several different types of tests that doctors use to look for changes, or biomarkers in your cells:

A common genetic test is called the Fluorescence in Situ Hybridization, or FISH, analysis. FISH analysis looks at changes in the chromosomes through tissue under a microscope.

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) looks for proteins in the cell under a microscope.

Next-generation sequencing (NGS), also called comprehensive biomarker testing, is when tissue from a patient's tumor (gathered from a biopsy) is placed in a machine that looks for many possible biomarkers at one time.

Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is a laboratory method used to make many copies of a specific genetic sequence for analysis.

Your doctor may perform several of these tests at the same time to help confirm results. Different biomarkers rely more heavily on certain tests.

BRAF mutations are usually detected with NGS or PCR‑based tests. These tests identify specific mutations such as V600E, which guide targeted therapy decisions. Liquid biopsy can detect BRAF mutations when tissue is limited.

Learn more about the different types of biomarker tests. 

In this video, Dr. Karen Kelly explains the importance of testing for BRAF-V600E fusions is in lung cancer. This video was produced in 2020. For the latest treatment options, speak with your doctor.

Video transcript

Understanding Test Results & Next Steps

BRAF-Positive: If you are BRAF-positive, there are targeted therapy options, such as BRAF inhibitors paired with MEK inhibitors, that are available for treatment.

Negative for BRAF: You may have other biomarkers identified with different treatment options. When no actionable biomarkers are found, treatment usually focuses on immunotherapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of both. Doctors choose based on the cancer type, stage, and PD‑L1 level. Even without biomarkers, many effective treatment options exist, and your care team will tailor the plan to your situation.

Unclear: Additional or repeat testing may be needed.

Talking to Your Doctor

Work with your doctor to discuss your goals and options each time you have to review and interpret test results to make a treatment decision. The three big questions to ask are:

  • What is the goal of this treatment?
  • What are the potential side effects?
  • What other options do I have?

Research is happening at a rapid pace, and your doctor should be up to date on the recommendations for your specific type of lung cancer. If you don’t feel comfortable with the answers you are receiving, do not hesitate to seek out a second opinion.

Treatment for BRAF-Positive Lung Cancer

A BRAF-positive result can help guide treatment decisions. Learn more about targeted therapies, including BRAF and Mek inhibitors, and how they are used to treat BRAF-positive lung cancer.
Learn about BRAF-positive lung cancer treatment

What You Can Do Next

Someone with a BRAF‑positive lung cancer diagnosis can take several empowering steps to stay ahead of their care. These are general medical information steps, not personal medical directives, and it’s important to work closely with a qualified healthcare professional for decisions about diagnosis or treatment. 

If you have a cancer diagnosis (or a biopsy is planned), you can request that the tumor be tested for BRAF and other actionable mutations. 

Instead of single‑gene testing, ask for next‑generation sequencing (NGS), which checks many genes at once, including BRAF. This avoids missing other important mutations.

If tissue is limited or a new biopsy isn’t possible, a blood‑based ctDNA test can sometimes detect BRAF mutations. Doctors often use this when monitoring for recurrence or resistance.

Some cancers always require BRAF testing because it directly affects treatment. Being aware of this helps you advocate for yourself.

 This helps you track what has already been tested and prevents unnecessary delays.

Patient Experiences

Advice for Newly Diagnosed BRAF-Positive Lung Cancer Patients

In this video, Debbie shares her advice for people who have recently been diagnosed with BRAF-positive lung cancer, including the importance of support, education, and hope.

BRAF-positive lung cancer patient, Debbie, shares what she would tell a newly diagnosed BRAF-positive lung cancer patient.

Video transcript

Support and Resources

It is important to work closely with your physicians to help monitor your medication side effects. Ask about connecting with a supportive/palliative care doctor at the beginning of your treatment to help ensure your side effects are well managed.

Lung cancer research can move at a rapid pace. Always speak with your doctor about the most up-to-date treatment guidelines.

Medically reviewed by: Jorge Gomez, MD
Last reviewed: June 2026

Page last updated: July 24, 2026

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