Which statement is true about the administration of paclitaxel?

The statement about paclitaxel that is accurate concerns the necessity of premedication to prevent hypersensitivity reactions. Paclitaxel, a taxane-based chemotherapy agent, is known for its potential to provoke allergic reactions, especially when administered. To minimize the risk of hypersensitivity, patients are typically premedicated with corticosteroids, antihistamines, and sometimes H2 receptor antagonists prior to infusion. This helps manage or prevent possible adverse reactions, ensuring a safer administration process for the patient.

In contrast, paclitaxel is usually not given after platinum-based agents as a standard practice, nor can it be mixed with saline, as its stability and activity could be compromised. Additionally, while filtration during administration is not a requirement for all chemotherapeutic agents, the use of microfiltering devices is sometimes recommended with paclitaxel to avoid infusion-related complications. However, the key understanding lies in the importance of premedication to minimize hypersensitivity, reinforcing the rationale behind this practice.