Imidazopyridine derivatives according to formula I are described wherein X is selected from CH, N, S, and O, Y is selected from S, CO, and O, R1 and optional R2 are independently selected from H, OH, substituted or unsubstituted C1-C6 alkyl, and substituted or unsubstituted C4-C6 cycloalkyl or cycloheteroalkyl, R3 is selected from H, OH, substituted or unsubstituted C1-C6 alkyl, and optional Z is selected from OH, NH2, NH(CO)R4, NH(SO2)R4, guanidine, alkylguanidine, and fluoroguanidine, R4 is polyethylene glycol or substituted or unsubstituted C1-C6 alkyl, and pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The imidazopyridine derivatives can be used for treatment of cancer in a subject.