A formulation for treating a patient with hepatocellular carcinoma is disclosed. The formulation comprises therapeutic agents in the form of nanoparticles containing one or more proteins or polysaccharides. The therapeutic agent is conjugated to an active targeting agent causing the formulation to preferentially segregate to the hepatocellular carcinoma tissue to release the therapeutic agents. Methods of treating hepatocellular carcinoma using the formulations are also disclosed.