[Infection Control Strategies for Cancer Patients Based on Chain of Infection]

Advances in cancer diagnosis and treatment have improved patient survival significantly. However, immunosuppression and the various invasive medical interventions often involved in these treatments increase infection risks. The core concept of "Chain of Infection" is used in this article to elaborate systematically on practical infection control strategies for cancer patients in three dimensions: the susceptible host, the infectious agent, and the mode of transmission. Strategies related to the susceptible host focus on enhancing host defense mechanisms and protecting potential portals of entry through the prophylactic use of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, appropriate vaccinations, mucosal care, and skin integrity maintenance as well as the stringent management of invasive catheters. Strategies related to infectious agent control focus on environmental and dietary source management, including the restriction of live plants, implementation of water management plans, infection-control risk assessment and protection during construction, rigorous environmental cleaning and disinfection, and adherence to food safety protocols. Strategies related to mode of transmission focus on the management of both physical infrastructure and personnel behavior, recommending that protective/isolation rooms and material selection be incorporated into facility planning and that personnel should consistently practice hand hygiene, respiratory hygiene, and cough etiquette; use personal protective equipment properly; and surveil their own health condition. In applying these multi-level and systematic strategies, the incidence of infections may be effectively reduced and treatment safety and quality of care ensured.